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The impact of medication therapy management in older oncology patients

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Abstract

Purpose

This project aimed to identify common drug-related problems (DRP) among elderly cancer patients, to determine the effectiveness of medication therapy management (MTM) service in resolving DRP, to determine the clinical significance of pharmacist interventions, and to determine patients’ satisfaction level of MTM service.

Method

Elderly cancer patients (age ≥65) who were at least on one chronic medication would be eligible for the MTM service. Any DRP that was detected would be recorded and steps to resolve it were taken. Pre- and post-service patient satisfaction surveys (PSS) were conducted before and after MTM. All interventions performed by MTM pharmacists were subjected to independent evaluation by a panel of three judges.

Results

One hundred eighteen patients received at least one session of MTM. We identified and attempted to resolve 361 DRPs, and the most common DRPs were drug interactions (117 cases, 32.4 %), adverse effects (114 cases, 31.6 %), and non-adherence (48 cases, 13.3 %). Forty-four interventions were performed by pharmacists and forty cases (91 %) were accepted by physicians. Almost two third of these interventions were deemed significant (or higher) by the judges. Seventy-two patients completed PSS. There was statistically significant improvement in patients’ satisfaction level after the service was provided.

Conclusion

MTM is an important platform in identifying and managing DRPs. Patients are generally satisfied with MTM services.

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Conflict of interest

The authors of this manuscript have full control of all primary data and we are agreeable to allowing the journal to review our data if requested.

Funding

This study was done with funding from the Healthcare Quality Improvement Funding, Ministry of Health, Singapore.

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Correspondence to Lita Chew.

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Yeoh, T.T., Si, P. & Chew, L. The impact of medication therapy management in older oncology patients. Support Care Cancer 21, 1287–1293 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1661-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1661-y

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