Role of a Clinical Pharmacist in Attaining Medication Adherence in Oncology Department

Santhi Sri.A; Sai Theja Guduru; K. Abdul Lathief; P. Gangadhar; G. Rushitha; N. Bhavana Durga; Shaik Sheerin

Abstract

A Clinical pharmacist aims to contribute to safe medication use by providing comprehensive management to patients and medical staff, both in the community and the hospital. In oncology, these services include comprehensive medication reviews integrating chemotherapy, supportive care and treatment for co-morbidities, medication information for the medical staff and patients, therapeutic drug monitoring anticancer agents, supportive care counseling (nutritional support, pain management, chemotherapy side-effects prophylaxis and treatment), elaboration of therapeutic guidelines. Clinical pharmacists with oncology training have the potential to optimize drug use both in the hospital and the community. With the understanding and recognition of drug interactions and side-effects, pharmacists can provide timely interventions and information to health providers, as well as counseling to patients. From the pharmacist’s point of view and when compared to other clinical disciplines, oncology is characterized by the rapid availability of numerous, costly anticancer agents with new mechanisms of action and sometimes very narrow. Conclusion: As oral anti-cancer agents are gaining great fame all over the world, they are expected to signify up to 25% of all medications used for the mitigation of cancer in future decade. This study demonstrates the central role of a pharmacist that can be reflected in providing patient education regarding missed dose, monitoring and coordinating among health care providers, dispensers and communication with patients.

Abstract

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