ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The incidence of cancer is increasing in Canada due to an aging and growing population. This frequently necessitates chemotherapy, which is a high-risk treatment, often given as a part of a complex regimen with serious side effects. A review of the evidence of pharmacy-provided patient education initiatives targeted to oncology patients revealed that minimal is known about this service. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the different models of patient education of oncology medications delivered by pharmacists to adult oncology patients in a hospital or cancer center in Canada. METHODS: The study design was a descriptive online survey developed by the investigation team and was distributed to pharmacists who provided patient education to adult oncology patients. The primary outcome of this research project was to describe self-reported pharmacist-provided patient education of oncology medications across Canada. The survey data was analyzed quantitatively with Opinio survey software. RESULTS: Sixty-four pharmacists completed the survey. Key findings of the study were that approximately 50% of pharmacists spend up to 25% of their time providing direct patient care and that not all adult oncology patients are receiving education by a pharmacist. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists provide patient education at the first treatment, change in therapy, and on request of another healthcare professional. Most cover administration, side effects, their prevention and management, and drug-interactions. Frequently used teaching methods include structured patient education delivery process, customized teaching for each patient, and repetition of key educational points.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Patient Education as Topic , Pharmacists , Humans , Learning , Professional Role , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In hospitals around the world, there has been no consensus regarding which clinical activities a pharmacist should focus on until recently. In 2011, a Canadian clinical pharmacy key performance indicator (cpKPI) collaborative was formed. The goal of the collaborative was to advance pharmacy practice in order to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided to patients by hospital pharmacists. Following a literature review, which indicated that pharmacists can improve patient outcomes by carrying out specific activities, and an evidence-informed consensus process, a final set of eight cpKPIs were established. Canadian hospitals leading the cpKPI initiative are currently in the early stages of implementing these indicators. OBJECTIVE: To explore pharmacists' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of cpKPIs. METHODS: Clinical pharmacists employed by the Nova Scotia Health Authority were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Three focus groups, including 26 pharmacists, were conducted in February 2015. Three major themes were identified. Resisting the change was comprised of documentation challenges, increased workload, practice environment constraints, and competing priorities. Embracing cpKPIs was composed of seeing the benefit, demonstrating value, and existing supports. Navigating the unknown was made up of quality versus quantity battle, and insights into the future. CONCLUSIONS: Although pharmacists were challenged by documentation and other changes associated with the implementation of cpKPIs, they demonstrated significant support for cpKPIs and were able to see benefits of the implementation. Pharmacists came up with suggestions for overcoming resistance associated with the implementation of cpKPIs and provided insights into the future of pharmacy practice. The identification of barriers and facilitators to cpKPI implementation will be used to inform the implementation process on a local and national level.
