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NP-002 Medication safety in patients treated with oral antitumor agents: a prospective, randomised investigation to improve patient safety and well-being by intensified clinical pharmaceutical/pharmacological care
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  1. P Dürr1,
  2. K Schlichtig2,
  3. MF Fromm2,
  4. F Dörje1,
  5. In collaboration with participating institutions of the CCC Erlangen-EMN
  1. 1Pharmacy Department, Erlangen University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
  2. 2Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

Abstract

Background and importance During the last few years, prescription rates of oral anticancer drugs have increased rapidly. Because of the independent intake of these highly complex therapies, a close patient guidance and management is essential to prevent treatment failure because of drug-drug or drug-food interactions, side effects or non-adherence.

Aim and objectives The aim of this study is to investigate whether integrating a clinical pharmacist/clinical pharmacologist into a multi-professional care team can improve patients’ safety, knowledge and well-being.

Materials and methods For this purpose, 200 patients will be randomised. While the intervention group will receive an intensive care program with information material and side effect management, the control group will only receive routine clinical care. Primary outcome parameters are the number of drug related problems (medication errors and side effects) regarding the oral anticancer drug and patient satisfaction (TSQM questionnaire). Further outcome parameters will include, for example, the number of serious side effects and hospitalisation rates.

Results For this interim analysis, 100 patients were included. In the intervention group the number of drug related problems regarding the oral anticancer treatment was reduced (7.38 vs. 4.75 per patient; p<0.05) and patient satisfaction was significantly increased (p<0.01). The intervention group showed a lower rate of serious side effects and was less frequently admitted to a hospital.

Conclusion and relevance The high rate of drug related problems in this patient population indicates that cancer patients treated with oral anticancer drugs must be considered as a high-risk patient group. Early intervention can reduce serious side effects and increases patients’ satisfaction. The integration of a clinical pharmacist/clinical pharmacologist in a multi-professional care team increases medication safety in patients treated with oral anticancer drugs.

References and/or acknowledgements This study is supported by the German Cancer Aid (grant number 70112447).

  • Medication safety
  • oral anticancer drugs
  • pharmaceutical/pharmacological care.

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