Implementation of pharmacist consultations as part of a multidisciplinary consultation program for patients with oral anticancer agent: A descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we describe the implementation in a hospital setting of pharmacist consultations, by oncology pharmacists, as part of a multidisciplinary consultation program (MCP) established for patients before they start a new oral anticancer treatment. Methods: Pharmacist consultations consisted of 3 steps in the MCP. (1) The first one was the preparation of the medication assessment with the realization of an accurate patient medication list. (2) The second step was the pharmacist consultation with the patient. The oncology pharmacist assessed the ability of the patient to self-manage their therapy at home and gave information about the new drug. To prevent potential drug, herbs, and food interactions, individual medication plans were also performed. (3) Finally, the oncology pharmacist completed and sent the multidisciplinary report to the community pharmacists with a satisfaction survey. Results: Ninety patients, enrolled in the MCP, received pharmacist consultations. Oncology pharmacists reported that 24% (n = 22) of the patients were not able to take their medicine by themselves and that information for the home caregiver was needed. The realization of the best possible medication history highlighted drug interactions in 36% (n = 32) of patients and required, for 4 patients, discontinuation of 1 drug of their regular medicines. With the information delivered by oncology pharmacists, 83% of the community pharmacists contacted were able to better advise the patient at the time of the oral anticancer agent dispensing. Conclusions: The implementation of the MCP with pharmacist consultations allowed us to better support patients who start new oral anticancer treatment and shows us how crucial the expertise of oncology pharmacists is. They contribute to limit drug-related problems especially by identifying drug, herbs, and food interactions but also by identifying the patients unable to self-manage their therapy at home. The collaboration established with the community pharmacists allowed us to improve patient management by sharing information and knowledge.