Influence of Pharmacist Recommendations for Chemotherapy-Related Problems in Diabetic Cancer Patients

Abstract

Drug related-problems pose additional worse outcomes in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. A vital role of the clinical pharmacist is the detection and prevention of drugrelated problems. The provision of patient education is an important step to reduce and prevent drug-related problems during chemotherapy administration. The objective of this study was to assess the occurrence of drug-related problems and the importance of effective provision of patient education and appropriate recommendations by the clinical pharmacist in reducing and solving of these problems in diabetic patients suffering from cancer. A prospective study carried out on 50 diabetic patients as a single group with new diagnosis of diverse cancer types eligible for chemotherapy adminitration recruited between September 2014 and April 2015 at the oncology unit in one of the Teaching and Research Hospital (Istanbul-Turkey). Drug-related problems were evaluated, and proper patient education alongside pharmacist recommendation regarding chemotherapy was provided during the required chemotherapy protocol schedule. (n=65) of the drug-related problems were contributed to inappropriate IV fluid selection; (n=33) were attributed to low drug dose prescribed, and (n=30) to high drug dose prescribed. Drug-related problems totally solved due to clinical pharmacist recommendations were 69.57% (n=80). There was a significant increase in the occurrence of paleness (P=0.0001); urinary frequency (P=0.003); loss of appetite (P=0.0001), nausea (P=0.0001), vomiting (P=0.0001); and numbness (P=0.0001). A significant decrease in the occurrence and severity of chemotherapy-related adverse effects was observed as a mild urinary frequency (P=0.0001) and mild vomiting (P=0.0001) after the clinical pharmacist recommendations and provision of patient education. Results of this study revealed that diabetic cancer patients are definitly prone to the occurrence of drug-related problems and adverse drug reactions. Clinical pharmacist is expected to provide a well-defined education and care to those patients and the outcomes of pharmacist recommendations may diminish and prevent many drug-related problems and adverse drug reactions and by this, influence patients' desire to complete the course of chemotherapy.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Patients’ Practices, Knowledge and Attitudes of Antibiotics among Iraqi Population

“…This could be achieved through pharmacist involvement in patient education about preventing unnecessary and irrational use of antibiotics, promoting adherence to appropriate prescribing guidelines, decreasing demand on antibiotics for viral upper RTIs and increasing adherence to prescribed antibiotics. Previous studies revealed that pharmacist educational intervention appeared to improve public knowledge about proper and safe medication use with improved patient-related outcomes [37][38][39][40]. Furthermore, collaborative practices between pharmacists and physicians could curb the misuse of antibiotics and resistance [41].…”

Determination of Radiotherapy-Related Acute Side Effects; A Starting Point for the Possible Implementation of a Clinical Pharmacy Services in the Radiological Unit in Turkey

“…The lack of this knowledge could lead to increased hospital admissions, increased morbidity and reduced patients' quality of life. [35][36][37] Hence, radiology unitbased clinical pharmacist role is essential in reviewing treatment plan, evaluating, minimising and getting more follow-up of side effects and in detecting other Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) to improve patient-related health outcomes. Therefore, for better implementation of CPSs, it is important to enhance the awareness and recognition of other healthcare professionals about the clinical pharmacist concerns.…”

Implications of Health Care Providers by Physicians’ and Pharmacists’ Attitudes and Perceptive Barriers towards Interprofessional Collaborative Practices

“…Meanwhile, the significance of drug-related problems (DRPs) contributes to poor patient-and health-related outcomes and significantly increases the cost of healthcare services (Al-taie et al, 2016;Al-taie, Köseoğlu, 2019). However, such problems are now highly identified and avoided due to the active roles of pharmacists in providing proper education about medical conditions, rational use of medications, optimise medication adherence, monitoring drug regimens, adjusting drug therapy and optimising medication therapy (Izzettin et al, 2017). Thus, pharmacists have a broad spectrum of clinical responsibilities that ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of medication administration, pharmacotherapy management, provision of proper patient-related care and the promotion of good therapeutic outcomes for patients during the process of pharmaceutical care.…”