Evaluating the patient-perceived impact of a neratinib special access program in an Australian community pharmacy

Background

In Australia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and improved survival rates have placed an increased burden on the healthcare system. To better utilise community pharmacists in anticancer therapy, a medicine management service for neratinib was initiated in an Australian community pharmacy for patients with breast cancer.

Aim

To explore the experience and satisfaction of Australian breast cancer patients who received a pharmacist medicine management service for their neratinib treatment through a community pharmacy.

Method

Patients enrolled in the neratinib special access program were invited to complete an electronic survey between February–September 2019. A mixed-methods approach was utilised in data analysis. Ethics approval was granted by the University of Canberra Human Research Ethics Committee (Project No: 20181648).

Results

Thirty-three individuals completed the survey. A majority of participants (94%) were either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the time the pharmacist spent with them. As part of the service, 88% of participants viewed the first pharmacist session as ‘absolutely’ worthwhile and 79% believed that the pharmacist interaction increased their understanding of neratinib therapy. Many participants supported the continued provision and expansion of the service (88%).

Conclusion

This pilot study provided valuable insights into participants' experiences of a pharmacist medicine management service for neratinib therapy. The unique preferences and health information needs of patients were highlighted. Further investigation is needed to explore how community pharmacists may be best utilised to improve breast cancer care and support patient needs.