Oncology Pharmacists in Health Care Delivery: Vital Members of the Cancer Care Team

Abstract

The goal of this summary is to outline the unique knowledge, skills, and functions provided by oncology pharmacists to facilitate the provision of high-quality, team-based care of patients with cancer.

The effects of pharmacist interventions on adult outpatients with cancer: A systematic review

“…This professional is often one of the few healthcare team members who fully understands the safety, efficacy and pharmacologic and financial components of care of patients with cancer . Given this context, pharmacists have become more proactive as they have been integrated into care teams, participating directly in the selection and management of patients’ drug therapy, as well as proving drug counselling for patients and other health professionals …”

“…7 Given this context, pharmacists have become more proactive as they have been integrated into care teams, participating directly in the selection and management of patients' drug therapy, as well as proving drug counselling for patients and other health professionals. 7,8 A previous systematic review 9 explored the role of pharmacists in communicating to people living with cancer about their use of complementary medicines, whereas another review 10 search strategy for all the databases is shown in Appendix 1. In addition, we screened the reference lists of appraised articles to identify any studies that might have been missed.…”

A pharmacist-led medication assessment used to determine a more precise estimation of the prevalence of complementary and alternative medication (CAM) use among ambulatory senior adults with cancer

“…12 One approach to optimize medication management in the oncology population is through utilization of pharmacists as part of the healthcare delivery model for interprofessional, team-based care. 13 The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recognizes the significant role played by pharmacists in the areas of medication therapy management (MTM) and medication safety, as well as the value of pharmacist-physician collaboration in patient care. [14][15][16] Pharmacists have the professional education, training, skills, and medication use expertise to employ evidence-based medicine which is crucial for older adults taking multiple medications including over-the-counter medications, herbal products and supplements.…”

Knowledge, attitudes and barriers towards breast cancer health education among community pharmacists

“…Community pharmacists are widely accessible healthcare providers for almost all segments of the population. [24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Recently, the scope of pharmacy practice had progressed towards a patient-focused approach rather than a productfocused approach, enabling pharmacists to expand health services towards patient-oriented activities instead of conventional drug-oriented services. [25,26] Earlier reports indicated that community pharmacists are potential contributors to health promotion activities taking into consideration their approachability and reliability.…”

“…To achieve this, it is essential for community pharmacists to have comprehensive knowledge, positive attitudes, willingness and necessary tools to provide professional pharmaceutical care services. [25,[27][28][29][30]34] Despite national efforts to increase recognition and awareness of breast cancer, multiple population-based studies among women in Jordan showed that screening rates remain relatively low. [35,36] Among a nationally representative sample of Jordanian women, breast cancer screening practices indicated low prevalence of using mammography, CBE and BSE among women aged 35 years and older.…”