A pilot study of South African oncology pharmacy facilities: Comparison with best practice guidelines

Abstract Introduction: Exposure to antineoplastic drugs can lead to adverse health effects such as fetal loss and DNA damage. Oncology pharmacy facilities should implement best pharmacy practice guidelines to protect pharmacy personnel. The objective of this study was to assess South African oncology pharmacy facility workplace and personnel work practices, guided by internationally accepted best practice guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in 6 oncology pharmacy facilities (one personnel member per facility) of 2 South African oncology pharmacy service providers. Using a simple checklist, comprising 7 assessment categories and 43 questions derived from best practice guidelines, work and workplace practices were scored as compliant, partially compliant, or noncompliant. Each facility and service provider were also given an overall score. Results: Overall scores for the 6 facilities ranged from 33.1% to 79.3%. Service provider 2 pharmacy facilities (which were assessed as being compliant overall) scored higher at 78.0% ± 1.5 (76.4%–79.3%) than service provider 1 pharmacy facilities, which were noncompliant overall at 40.2% ± 21.5 (33.1%–49.9%). Categories in which performance was poor included the presence of engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and medical monitoring. Conclusion: The complexities of South African oncology pharmacy facilities highlight the need for stricter regulation. Despite operating under the auspices of managed care organizations, some facilities' work practices were poor. It is recommended that service providers implement international best practice guidelines.