In the OLVG hospital in Amsterdam a cytostatic robot has taken over a large part of the preparation of chemotherapy from the pharmaceutical assistants. The robot reduces the chance of exposure to hazardous substances, reduces hand strain and gives the assistant more time for other complex preparations.

Setting and problem

Risks occur when pharmaceutical assistants prepare chemotherapy for patients. They suffer for example from hand problems and encounter the hazardous substances present in chemo.

Solution

The OLVG is the first hospital in the Benelux, and one of fifty hospitals in the world that work with a cytostatic robot. The robot works gravimetrical: the weighing of vials, bags and fluids happens in a secure balance. The vials are individually identified with height sensors and photo recognition. Working with a robot creates a safer workplace for pharmaceutical assistants because it means there is a full barrier between the assistant and de hazardous substances.

Results

Because of the use of the cytostatic robot, the assistants do not encounter hazardous substances when preparing chemotherapy. This creates a safer workplace for them.