Safety in the Administration of Systemic Antineoplastic Therapy in Hematology-Oncology: Unequivocal Identification and Independent Double Verification
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31877/on.2026.52.05Keywords:
antineoplastic agents, hemato-oncology, independent double check, patient safety, quality of health careAbstract
Introduction: Hospitals are complex environments with a high potential for errors. Systemic antineoplastic therapy, due to its risk and complexity, requires rigorous safety measures to ensure safe administration.
Objective: To assess the impact of a structured continuous improvement program (PDSA) on nurses’ adherence to patient positive identification and independent double-checking practices in the Hemato-Oncology Day Hospital.
Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, and observational study applying the PDSA improvement cycle. Semi-annual internal audits were conducted between 2022 and 2024, totaling 951 observations before and after the implementation of improvement strategies.
Results: Adherence to patient positive identification remained high (>98%). In parallel, adherence to independent double-checking of therapy increased significantly from 78.1% to 85.2% (p = 0.0002).
Conclusion: The systematic implementation of these practices contributes to risk mitigation and patient safety in the administration of systemic antineoplastic therapy. Continuation of the implemented strategies and the adoption of advanced technologies are recommended.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Cláudia Gaspar, Ana Filipa Valente Jesus Rosa, Ana Maria Ribeiro Pinheiro
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