Understand the risks of handling cytotoxic drugs (cancer medications) and learn how to protect yourself as a healthcare worker.

Intro

 * Cytotoxic drugs target rapidly dividing cells, but also affect healthy cells.

 * Not just strong chemo – includes hormone therapies, antivirals, and more.

 * Exposure routes: inhalation, skin contact, injection, patient fluids.

 * Health effects: nausea, hair loss, infertility, organ damage, secondary cancers.

Segment 2: Risk Assessment

 * HSE guidelines are your roadmap (See HSE Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs 2022 Policy:  https://healthservice.hse.ie/filelibrary/staff/hse-guideline-on-the-safe-handling-and-use-of-cytotox-drugs.pdf)

 * List ALL hazardous drugs you use.

 * Identify at-risk groups: pharmacy, nurses, cleaning staff, others.

 * Break down the drug's journey to pinpoint exposure risks.

Segment 3: Control Measures

 * Hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineer, procedures, PPE (last resort).

 * Engineering controls: ventilation, negative pressure rooms, closed-system transfer devices.

 * PPE: specialized gloves, gowns, eye protection, maybe respirators.

Segment 4: Staff Training

 * Training is essential, not optional.

 * Includes knowledge, specific skills, and evolving procedures.

 * Mix up formats: demos, scenarios, spill simulations.

 * Competency checks: observation, assessments.

Segment 5: Where to Learn More

References

 * HSE Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs 2022 Policy (https://healthservice.hse.ie/filelibrary/staff/hse-guideline-on-the-safe-handling-and-use-of-cytotox-drugs.pdf)

Feedback form: https://forms.gle/Rgw59ofWL1b8SuNm8

IIOP CPD Example: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WUYnhHblEtNeCVWgKutGynC44qwlxwLuRBzltiEW_wY/edit?usp=sharing