In 2012, more than 350 organizations from 13 countries participated in the initial Institute for Safe Medication Practices self-assessment for oncology. This study describes results from this baseline survey, which revealed key opportunities for improvements in the safe delivery of chemotherapy. For example, many institutions have still not followed best practices for the administration of vincristine. In addition, less than half of respondents had fully implemented safety processes for oral chemotherapy orders. A prior AHRQ WebM&M commentary describes a patient who inadvertently received the wrong chemotherapy regimen and explores the high risks associated with inpatient chemotherapy.

The chemotherapy drug vincristine almost always causes fatal toxicity if it is incorrectly administered intrathecally (via spinal injection) rather than intravenously. This hazard is well publicized, but accidental administration of intrathecal vincristine continues to occur. This survey of oncology pharmacists found that many pharmacies still lack appropriate safeguards to prevent such errors.

This survey of cancer centers in Canada found high levels of adherence to mandated medication safety practices.

This survey discovered that providers were largely aware of safe medication practices in oncology, but implementation of specific guidelines was suboptimal. However, the study findings did note an improvement in adoption of best practices when compared to a similar survey administered in 2006.