Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice (03/05/24) Garnier, Alexandra; Bonnabry, Pascal; Bouchoud, Lucie

A simulation-based training (SBT) program aimed to improve pharmacy operators' (POs) handling of cytotoxic spills. The 2.5-hour program included two simulation exercises in a simulated pharmacy production unit, followed by a debriefing after each exercise. The POs' general knowledge about cytotoxic spill handling was assessed with a 20-item quiz before and after the SBT. Additionally, the POs participated in a real-life test one month before and one month after the training, in which the trainer broke a fake cytotoxic vial in the cytotoxic storage area. Satisfaction with the program was very high, with a mean satisfaction score of 98.9% among the 12 participants. The mean knowledge score rose from 10.8/20 before the SBT to 14.5/20 after the program. In the real-life test, the mean standard operating procedure performance increased from 78.6% to 97.1%, while the mean time to handle cytotoxic spills dropped from 17.3 minutes to 11.9 minutes. The findings demonstrate the benefits of the SBT program for cytotoxic spill handling, which will be incorporated into continuing training programs for POs, the authors report.

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