Proactive risk assessment of vincristine use process in a teaching and referral hospital in Kenya and the implications

• DOI: 10.1177/1078155219869439
• Publication Date: 2019-09-02T15:23:11Z
• Authors: Emmanuel K Kurgat; Irene Weru; David Wata; Brian Godman; Amanj Kurdi; Anastasia N Guantai
• Keywords: RM; 610; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Risk Assessment; 3. Good health; RC0254; 03 medical and health sciences; Vincristine; 615; Neoplasms; Humans; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer); Hospitals, Teaching; 0305 other medical science; Referral and Consultation

The chemotherapy use process is potentially risky for cancer patients. Vincristine, a "High Alert" medicine, has been associated with fatal but preventable medication errors. Consequently, there need to improve the of vincristine especially in lower- and middle-income countries where are constraints resources often lack trained personnel administer medicines. However, rising prevalence cases. These concerns can be addressed by performing proactive risk assessments using Healthcare Failure Mode Effect Analysis (HFMEA) implementing findings.A multidisciplinary health team driven pharmacists identified evaluated potential failure modes based on flow diagram hazard scoring matrix leading referral hospital Kenya.The processes were: prescribing, preparation dispensing, transportation storage, administration monitoring vincristine. Seventy-seven were over three-month study period, which 25 classified as high risk. Thirteen adequately covered existing control measures while 12 including one combined mode required new strategies. Two single-point weaknesses. Recommendations subsequently made improving vincristine.HFMEA useful tool identify improvements safety reduction patient harm. HFMEA brings together involved care actively identifying owning recommendations made, now being followed up this hospital. Pharmacists key part process.