Chemo Checker: Transforming Care and Increasing Patient Safety by Reducing Nurse Distractions

On a high-volume academic ambulatory chemotherapy unit, a medication error triggered an evidence-based practice nursing work group to initiate a pilot “chemo checker” role as part of a new chemotherapy verification process. The group implemented two interventions to minimize nurse distractions and a 17-point chemotherapy verification label. An independent verification role was created to perform the first check for chemotherapy. Six months into the pilot project, medication administration errors and nurses’ distractions during the chemotherapy verification process decreased, and nurses’ perception of safety during the process increased (N = 22).

AT A GLANCE

• Implementing a chemotherapy verification label, using a clear and concise checklist, enhances patient safety.
• A dedicated nurse can check chemotherapy prior to administration to decrease medication errors.
• Engaging nurses to evaluate patient workflows can enhance practice and outcomes.