Beyond The Mask: Lived Experiences and Psychosocial Impacts of Chemotherapy Drug DispensingPersonnel in High-Risk Clinical Settings

  • Authors

    • Bingmin Wu Graduate School, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, Philippines Nursing School, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou City 256603, Shandong ‎Province, China https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5746-3077
    • Sheilla M. Trajera Chair, Nursing and Education Programs at University of St. La Salle Graduate School Faculty, BSN, MN, MAN, and PhD in Nursing, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City 6100, ‎ Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1834-7275
    • Gregory S. Ching Faculty, Graduate Institute of Educational Administration and Policy, National ChengChi ‎University, Taipei City 11605, Taiwan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9148-0019
    https://doi.org/10.14419/5c1k3h41

    Received date: October 2, 2025

    Accepted date: October 8, 2025

    Published date: October 17, 2025

  • Occupational Exposure; Chemotherapy Drug Dispensing; Psychosocial Impact; Phenomenological ‎Research; Healthcare Worker Safety

  • Abstract

    Healthcare professionals involved in dispensing intravenous chemotherapy drugs face ‎significant risks from cytotoxic exposure, which can lead to both physical harm and ‎psychological distress. Despite existing safety protocols, limited research has explored the ‎personal and emotional challenges encountered by personnel in high-risk clinical environments. ‎This study investigated the lived experiences of chemotherapy drug dispensing personnel ‎within the context of occupational exposure. Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological ‎approach, ten participants from a tertiary hospital in Shandong Province, China, were ‎purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using ‎Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Five major themes emerged: (1) challenges related to ‎occupational exposure safety, including operational risks, environmental constraints, and ‎equipment deficiencies; (2) difficulties in implementing protective measures; (3) mental health ‎struggles; (4) career development obstacles; and (5) coping and adjustment strategies. The ‎findings highlight that occupational exposure affects not only physical well-being but also ‎emotional resilience and professional trajectories. Participants emphasized the need for ‎improved protective infrastructure, mental health support, and institutional recognition of the ‎psychological burden of their work. The study concludes that occupational safety programs ‎must address the comprehensive needs of chemotherapy drug dispensing personnel‎.

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    Wu, B., Trajera, S. M., & Ching, G. S. (2025). Beyond The Mask: Lived Experiences and Psychosocial Impacts of Chemotherapy Drug DispensingPersonnel in High-Risk Clinical Settings. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(6), 313-325. https://doi.org/10.14419/5c1k3h41