Continuous training of pharmacy technicians: practical use of data from video monitoring of chemotherapy production

Introduction

Our Cytotoxic Reconstitution Unit (URC) has been equipped for 3 years with the video control system: DRUGCAM®. It allows to guide and control the 12 pharmacy technicians (including 4 permanent) throughout the chemotherapy manufacturing process.

Objective

The objective of this work is to carry out a review of the practices of preparations as part of the continuous quality improvement process ISO 9001 certified.

Material and Method

We have established to view 10 preparations under isolator of bevacizumab, cetuximab and pemetrexed of the last 6 months for each pharmacy technician. These real-life data are extracted from Drugcam and analyzed from a quantitative (preparation, peeling, purging) and qualitative point of view via the training grid for preparer training.

Results

A total of 89.1% (269/302) videos were exploited (scenario start after peeling). Quantitatively, 83% (223/269) of production is morning. The preparation of bevacizumab is the fastest (4.1’) and that of the longest pemetrexed (6.5’). Permanent pharmacy technicians are faster than the rest of the team (Student test, p<0.01). Peeling on one or more occasions does not affect preparation time (Student test, p>0.05). Qualitatively, 75% (21/28) of the items are controlled (purging, dose sampling). Nevertheless, some practices need to be improved such as regular change of compresses and dissolution.

Discussion/Conclusion

The reliability provided by the audit in video control versus programmed audit (stress) makes it possible to target and sensitize the team to heterogeneous practices. Drugcam’s enrichment of new functionalities (stage of vial cleaning, dissolution time) will quickly find reliable solutions to improve practices.