An evaluation of pharmacist contribution to an oncology ward in a Swedish hospital.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this project was to establish the importance of a pharmacist in the health-care team in improving drug use in an oncology ward in the Department of Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.


METHODS
The pharmacist participated in the medical round in the mornings and worked as a member of the health-care team. Drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified by drug chart reviews based on data from medical files, laboratory tests and interviews with patients and/or relatives. A questionnaire to physicians and nurses was used to evaluate their experiences of the pharmacist's contribution to the oncology ward.


RESULTS
In total, 114 DRPs were identified in 58 patients. For each DRP, the pharmacist gave proposals for solutions. Sixty-eight suggestions out of 114 (59.6%) were implemented by the physician. Two suggestions (1.8%) were partly followed. For 32 suggestions (28.0%) it was unclear if they had caused any change in medication. Twelve suggestions (10.5%) were not followed. Most of the physicians and nurses acknowledged the pharmacist's contribution to improved drug use in the ward.


CONCLUSIONS
A pharmacist can improve drug use in an oncology ward as a member of the health-care team. The pharmacist contributes with a systematic focus on the patient from a drug perspective.
Bremberg
Eva Rämme
ER
Karolinska Pharmacy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. eva.bremberg@karolinska.se
Hising
Christina
C
Nylén
Urban
U
Ehrsson
Hans
H
Eksborg
Staffan
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000592:standards*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D009726:Nurses; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital; D010348:Patient Care Team; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010595:Pharmacists; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D010820:Physicians; D024382:Professional Role; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D000078329:Workforce
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations