A study to assess the impact of pharmaceutical care services to cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction Clinical pharmacist can enthusiastically involve in oncology department through utilizing the skills and knowledge to support wide variety of functions in patient care. The impact of pharmaceutical care services in oncology department were analysed through various approaches including the analysis of knowledge level of patients towards the disease and its management through patient counselling, monitoring of performance status, observing of ADR and drug safety. Incidence of cancer was scrutinized during the study. Methodology: A Prospective interventional study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 with the support of institutional ethical approval at oncology department of Lourdes hospital, Ernakulam. 133 patients were included with all type of cancer. Data collected through Performa with KAP questionnaire and direct interview was conducted. Statistical significance was evaluated through p value of <0.001 Result: 123 patients were completed both questionnaire. Among this 69.91% were females and most of the patients belonged to 50 – 65yeras age group and carcinoma was frequently reported type. End of the study showed significant change in the knowledge level of patients after interaction with the clinical pharmacist. 26 ADRs were reported including solitary and multiple ADRs. Recommendations associated with drug reconstitution, administration were frequently given to the nurses. Most of the interventions to improve therapeutic outcome of the patients were accepted by the oncologist. Conclusion Clinical pharmacist can actively participate in all aspects of the oncology department in association with physician and other health care providers to improve the therapeutic outcome and quality of life of patients.