Dr. Zelenetz Discusses the Chemo Delivery Process

Andrew D. Zelenetz, MD, Chief, Lymphoma Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Associate Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses the chemotherapy delivery process that is in place at MSKCC.

Ideally the treatment that the oncologist prescribes is what the patients should receive. It is, however, a human process that can easily result in errors. The old paper system lends itself to errors and as a result a system needs to exist that verifies and checks each order.

At MSKCC there are several measures in place to catch any errors that may occur. Once the oncologist decides on the treatment it is sent to a chemotherapy nurse who reviews for errors and whether the regimen is known and common for the disease. The orders then pass through a second check with the pharmacist who ensures it is the correct dose and timing. The final stage of the verification process is the treating nurse. When the nurse received the mixed drugs they ensure it matches the order.

The goal of this system is to ensure as little errors as possible. The multiple checks and rechecks help prevent any errors from reaching the patient.