What does a Medication Assessment by Pharmacist clinic focused on oncology look like?

Almost half of all oncology drugs are being developed as oral treatments and their usages continue to grow.And while there are advantages over IV medications—flexible timing, at-home administration and reduced invasiveness to name a few—they also come with challenges. Missed doses mean lower effectiveness and there are some serious side effects that can come with them, requiring close monitoring. That’s why a team of pharmacists at the Waterloo Regional Health Centre (WRHN) have launched the Medication Assessment by Pharmacist (MAP) clinic. “In the MAP clinic, patient care is shared between our oncology pharmacists and oncology physicians,” clinical pharmacist Jackie Diebold explains to University of Waterloo News. “Prior to starting treatment, the patient will see the MAP pharmacist alongside the oncologist for a baseline assessment, medication review and counselling on their new oral anticancer agent. Follow up appointments are then booked with either the MAP pharmacist or the oncologist based on a predetermined schedule.”Working alongside oncologists, pharmacists can also manage patients’ treatment independently during follow-up visits. This involves ordering lab work and diagnostics when appropriate and pausing or adjusting therapy if needed. Care is escalated to a physician if concerns arise. “This clinic gives us an incredible opportunity to practice at our full scope,” Diebold says. “We are providing safe, comprehensive care for patients while freeing up physicians to focus on more complex cases and new referrals, which directly improves access to care. By applying our knowledge and unique skill set, we’re making a meaningful impact for patients in the region.”According to University of Waterloo news, the MAP clinic has freed up space for more than 167 physician visits and saved time for nursing staff and clinic aides over the last nine months MAP is based on similar pharmacist-led models in British Columbia and Newfoundland. The MAP clinic started with a pilot group of patients receiving treatment for breast cancer and has since expanded to monitor patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who need intensive follow-up, looking like eight pharmacist visits in four weeks. Because of how successful MAP has been, the team has also been tapped to manage other oral anticancer treatments including those for prostate and ovarian cancer. And, with added workload, Diebold hopes that there will be more pharmacists able to work at MAP alongside her. The clinic will also be a training site for future pharmacy residents with plans to add on co-op and patient care rotations. “This initiative represents a pivotal step in both patient care and our practice,” says Dr. Shelley Kuang, medical oncologist at WRHN says to University of Waterloo news. “The collaborative approach between the pharmacists and physicians at WRHN Cancer Centre has allowed patients to feel better supported when starting new oral anticancer medications, preparing them for potential side effects and optimal management strategies.”

What does a Medication Assessment by Pharmacist clinic focused on oncology look like?

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