Personal Protective Equipment Use and Surface Contamination With Antineoplastic Drugs: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs (ADs) is persistent. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended to reduce exposure to ADs.

Objectives: This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ PPE use and surface contamination with ADs.

Methods: Demographic characteristics, PPE use, and associated factors were assessed on two inpatient oncology units where etoposide and cyclophosphamide were administered before (N = 26) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 31).

Findings: PPE use when handling contaminated excreta was significantly higher during the pandemic. Perceived risk of chemotherapy exposure was significantly associated with greater PPE use when handling AD-contaminated excreta, and conflict of interest was related to less PPE use during AD administration and handling of AD-contaminated excreta. During the pandemic, surface contamination with etoposide increased in shared areas and decreased in patient rooms.