Describing the role of the hematology/oncology clinical pharmacist in health information technology

Abstract

Purpose To describe the role of hematology/oncology clinical pharmacists in health information technology as well as their perceptions of the impact of technology expansion on patient care. Methods A single-center, web-based survey was distributed to 30 hematology/oncology clinical pharmacists by email over the two-week-period of 24 September 2018 to 8 October 2018. The anonymous survey was composed of 19 questions, with varying formats including multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and rank order. Primary endpoints were quantification of time spent in the electronic health record and perceptions on how technology expansion has impacted the safety, quality, and efficiency of patient care. Results Twenty-seven hematology/oncology clinical pharmacists (90% response rate) completed the survey in its entirety. Respondents reported that they spend an average of 84.1% of their work day in the electronic health record. Based on a 40-h work week, clinical pharmacists indicated that they spend approximately 32.2 h each week performing direct patient care tasks in the electronic health record compared to 3.7 h on indirect patient care tasks. All respondents reported a greater utilization of technology over the last five years, and most respondents felt that patient care is safer, of better quality, and more efficient with technology expansion. The majority of respondents (81.5%) indicated that clinical pharmacists have the best understanding of the health information technology system, followed by generalist pharmacists and informatics pharmacists. Conclusion The hematology/oncology clinical pharmacist is well positioned to serve as a health information technology leader on the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Impact of clinical pharmacy in oncology and hematology centers: A systematic review

“…The oncology pharmacist plays an essential role in the treatment of clinically complex patients. 7,8 The main contributions of clinical pharmacists in assisting onco-hematological patients include: evaluating the medical prescription regarding quantity, quality, compatibility, stability and interactions; supportive care management, such as managing anti-infectious therapies; assistance in the transition of care; evaluation of patients regarding the toxicity of chemotherapies and treatment effectiveness, in addition to tracking iatrogenic effects; educating patients, caregivers, as well as health professionals and interns; monitor, evaluate and report results related to treatment to help improve clinical practice. 9–13 Such activities are essential to promote patient safety when using antineoplastic agents and to avoid unnecessary expenses with the use of ineffective drugs for the patient or hospitalizations caused by complications resulting from medication errors that could be avoided.…”

Payer perceptions of the use of real-world evidence in oncology-based decision making

“…Further, the study showed pharmacists felt patient care is safer, of better quality, and more efficient with the advance of EHR technology. 19 However, EHRs present challenges for consistent data extraction due to their often unstructured and incomplete nature. 20,21 This emphasizes the need for more robust EHR design and the integration of EHR with claims data.…”