Community-based Pharmacies' Approaches to Hospital-pharmacy Liaison in Cancer Chemotherapy

- Precautions against Medications Involving Dermopathy -

Abstract

Cancer chemotherapy is currently being shifted to outpatient services. At the same time, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy and visiting pharmacies is increasing. In this study, as a survey revealed that pharmacists considered their knowledge of chemotherapy and information for patients were insufficient, a workshop was held for pharmacists working at pharmacies to increase their knowledge in these areas. The pharmacists were highly motivated to participate in the workshop, and it may be possible to improve pharmacy staff's knowledge of chemotherapy on a community-wide basis by holding such workshops continuously. In the study, a system for liaison with neighboring medical institutions was also developed based on the results of the awareness survey. The system is expected to facilitate patient-related information collection, and improve the quality of guidance provided by pharmacists for appropriate care.