Failure mode and effect analysis: a technique to prevent chemotherapy errors.

Complex, multidrug chemotherapy protocols commonly are administered to patients with cancer. At every step of the chemotherapy administration process, from the point that chemotherapy is ordered to the point that it is infused and beyond, potential for error exists. FMEA, a proactive process that promotes systematic thinking about the safety of patient care, is a risk analysis technique that can be used to evaluate the process of chemotherapy administration. Error prevention is an ongoing quality improvement process that requires institutional commitment and support, and nurses play a vital role in the process.