The minimum education and safety requirements for the nursing administration of cytotoxic drugs: An integrative review protocol

Abstract

Background: This protocol describes the steps taken to develop an integrative review to identify current research on the minimum education and safety requirements for nurses to administer cytotoxic drugs. The review will provide evidence to underpin a Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) position statement on the same topic.

Methods: An integrative review of literature will be conducted within the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase. Methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Discussion: The completion of an integrative review will ensure CNSA takes a leadership role in the provision of evidence to inform cancer nurses about the minimum education and safety requirements when administering cytotoxic drugs in any setting.

Conclusion: A systematic approach to the development of a CNSA position statement will provide transparency on the supporting evidence. Gaps in the current literature will be identified, highlighting future directions for research.