The Role of the Chemotherapy Technician Ashley Paruscio, CPhT August 3 rd, 2017 Objectives Identify the traditional requirements, expectations and responsibilities of a Chemotherapy Technician Describe expanding roles for Chemotherapy Technicians through best practices related to sterile compounding, inventory management and USP guidelines Identify areas of opportunity and growth for Chemotherapy Technicians within the Oncology Pharmacy What is a Chemotherapy Technician? Prepares IV admixtures or dispenses oral drugs that are used to treat a multitude of patients Completes extensive training and competencies prior to compounding or handling Hazardous agents Has knowledge and recognition of Hazardous and Cytotoxic agents 1
What are the qualifications? High-school Diploma Pharmacy Technology Certificate or Pharmacy Technology Associates Degree One year of pharmacy tech experience or equivalent combination of education What are important job skills? Customer Service Oriented Attention to Detail Trustworthy Adaptable Communication Skills Collaborate with other team members Traditional Chemotherapy Technician Roles Compounding Personal Protective Equipment Hazardous Drug Delivery Competencies Receipt and Storage of Drug Cleanroom Environment Cleaning and Disinfecting 2
Compounding Training takes 6-8 weeks for sterile compounding Closed System Transfer Device is used for safe handling during preparation Drug compendium should be referenced Accuracy is more important than speed Personal Protective Equipment PPE is worn to protect employees from exposure to Hazardous materials Double gloves and double shoe covers are required for Chemotherapy preparation Gloves and gowns must be approved for use with Chemotherapy products Hazardous Drug Delivery Drugs must be hand delivered in a Chemotherapy bag One pair of Chemotherapy approved gloves must be worn for protection Drugs should be placed in a specific location designated for Hazardous medications Patient information must be kept private during transport 3
Competencies ChemoTeq is used to ensure technicians can compound with accurate aseptic technique Written calculation and knowledge assessments ensure technicians can calculate drug doses and know the operations of the pharmacy Fingertip sampling ensures technicians are garbing correctly without contaminating their equipment Receipt and Storage of Drug Hazardous drugs must be stored separate from nonhazardous drugs Handling and unpacking of drugs must be done while wearing gloves All drugs must be wiped down with alcohol before entering the cleanroom Look-alike/Sound-alike medications are stored separate Cleanroom Environment Chemotherapy must be prepared in a Vertical Laminar Flow Hood Air classification and pressure differentiation Cleaning procedures 4
Cleaning and Disinfecting Minimizes the overall bioburden present in the clean room Specific cleaning schedules Specific products must be used ChemoGlo is used every 6 months to detect traces of chemo ARS - How often is a Chemotherapy Technician required to complete competencies related specifically to aseptic technique and Hazardous Drug compounding? A. Bi-annually B. Annually C. Once upon hire D. Every two years ARS - How often is a Chemotherapy Technician required to complete competencies related specifically to aseptic technique and Hazardous Drug compounding? A. Bi-annually B. Annually C. Once upon hire D. Every two years 5
Expanded Role for Chemotherapy Technicians Investigational Drug Services Inventory Management Compounding Standards Oncology Investigational Drug Services Dispense clinical trail materials to patients Receive and maintain inventories for all Oncology clinical trial studies Interact with monitors and nurses conducting clinical trials Navigate electronic information system, Vestigo Prepares for clinical trial audits Inventory Management Assists with a high-dollar drug inventory Communicates low pars or stock-outs to Purchasing Agents Assists with new products added on the formulary by creating locations and par levels 6
Compounding Standards USP <797> Describes conditions and practices to prevent harm to patients through compounding in a sterile environment Addresses the standards for cleaning and disinfecting the pharmacy clean room Guidelines are currently open for revisions from pharmacy staff Compounding Standards USP <800> Describes conditions and practices to prevent harm to patients through compounding and handling of Hazardous Drugs Applies to all personnel who may handle Hazardous products Specific to transporting, garbing, engineer controls, training, etc. USP 797/800 Task Force Reviews both chapters 797 and 800 with a group of pharmacy members Creates gap analysis Identifies improvement and changes in order to comply with guidelines Communicates with other team members Revision of the current hazardous drug list 7
ARS Which of the following is required of a technician when transporting completed Chemotherapy preparations? A. Double gloves need to be worn B. One pair of gloves needs to be worn C. No gloves need to be worn D. Technician can use the pneumatic tube station ARS Which of the following is required of a technician when transporting completed Chemotherapy preparations? A. Double gloves need to be worn B. One pair of gloves needs to be worn C. No gloves need to be worn D. Technician can use the pneumatic tube station Opportunities for Growth Lead Technician Roles New Products and Technology Pharmacy Initiatives Additional Certifications 8
Lead Technician Roles Direct support and guidance for technicians Ensures compliance with organization, departmental, and USP guidelines Develops, monitors and maintains the day-today operations Maintains Human Resource oversight of the technician staff Coordinate social gatherings to build positive relationships between staff members New Products and Technology Educate themselves on new products and technology on the market Attend validation meetings to evaluate products Assist with implementation and training Provide end-user perspective for product companies Pharmacy Initiatives Drug Vial Optimization Initiative Lean Six Sigma Training Networking with Oncology nurses, outside vendors, ISD, etc. 9
Certifications Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCB) Sterile Pharmacy Certification (NPTA) Chemotherapy Certification (NPTA) ARS True or False Chemotherapy Technician roles have expanded to include areas of Investigational Drug Services and managing a high-dollar drug inventory. A. True B. False ARS True or False Chemotherapy Technician roles have expanded to include areas of Investigational Drug Services and managing a high-dollar drug inventory. A. True B. False 10
The Role of the Chemotherapy Technician Ashley Paruscio, CPhT August 3 rd, 2017 11