We developed a novel support system for more effective and safer cancer chemotherapy, whose major aims were to improve pharmaceutical care by reinforcing prescription checking, providing higher quality medical information and standardizing guidance for cancer patients.
Protocols consisting of the dosages, dosing schedules and adverse reactions of anticancer drugs and procedures for their admixture were the key element of our support system. Prescription checking parameters included patient height, weight, body surface area, type of cancer diagnosed, dosage and dosing schedules. For patients who had received the same protocol for the same type of cancer previously, the dosage was checked using past dosage data, laboratory data and adverse effect information. In order to standardize guidance given to patients, we had the system automatically produce adverse effect monitoring and check sheets and used this information together with that obtained from patients to prepare information that would aid consultation. This helped avoid adverse events and ensure that anticancer jobs were used properly, which made cancer chemotherapy more effective and safer.
The support system enabled valuable information on cancer chemotherapy to be provided to doctors, nurses and pharmacists. We therefore consider it to be a useful tool in chemotherapy for cancer patients.
