Abstract
In cancer chemotherapy,there has recently been a paradigm shift from inpatient to outpatient treatment.Since the outpatient oncology room opened at the National Hospital Organization Fukui Hospital in November 2004,pharmacists have been providing pharmaceutical care for patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy.Between April 2008 and March 2010,there were 1,344 instances of outpatient chemotherapy and we provided pharmaceutical care in 1,218 instances.Further,for 28 of 112 patients who received pharmaceutical care in the outpatient oncology room,prescriptions were added to or changed based on pharmacists’advice.In 30 instances,prescriptions were added to and regimens,dosages,and schedules changed as recommended by pharmacists in consideration of adverse effects due to cancer chemotherapy.Reductions in adverse effects were observed in 22 instances.
Under the current medical fee system,though no additional fee is charged by pharmacists for pharmaceutical care,it is important for them to use their knowledge to the maximum by providing pharmaceutical care in addition to performing their routine work of mixing anticancer agents and checking regimens.
