Addressing pharmaceutical and medicines management issues within the cancer network structure

Abstract

Focal points □ The presentation focuses on the contribution that oncology pharmacists make to the work of the cancer networks □ The current contribution varies between networks but includes development of evidence‐based treatment guidelines, the setting up of network oncology pharmacist groups, audit, drug procurement, and research and development □ The recent establishment of the NHS Cancer Research Network will build upon the current contribution made to research and development by oncology pharmacists by their support of clinical trials and other activities □ The presentation reflects on the barriers and facilitators that exist for these roles and invites discussion on the potential for the future role of the pharmacist within the network structure

The social life of chemotherapy protocols in a UK cancer network

“…13,14 Our approach has allowed us to foreground what one respondent referred as ''behind the scenes'' activity. This role has not previously been studied in detail, although protocol/guideline development has been mentioned in broad accounts of pharmacists' network contributions.…”

“…This role has not previously been studied in detail, although protocol/guideline development has been mentioned in broad accounts of pharmacists' network contributions. 13,14 Our approach has allowed us to foreground what one respondent referred as ''behind the scenes'' activity. Such ''backstage'' work 15 is relatively under-acknowledged in the political rhetoric on improving services, and marginalised within a view of protocols as relatively neutral and 'direct' templates for services.…”