Survey of Canadian oncology pharmacy services--the emergence of a specialty

The provision of pharmacy services to oncology is a substantial component of hospital pharmacy practice at several Canadian hospitals. To determine the scope of such pharmacy services a survey was developed and distributed to 103 hospital pharmacies and 11 ambulatory oncology pharmacies in 1988. There were 72 responses (65%), although only 96 centres were known to offer oncology services (adjusted response = 72 of 96 = 75%). Surveys were distributed and returned in reasonable proportion across the country. Inpatient and outpatient services were reported separately, for size of service offered, and categories of work in which staff were employed. Twenty-four of fifty-seven centres report large inpatient pharmacist services, and 21 of 57 had large inpatient technician services. The ratio of pharmacists to technicians appeared to be about equal, but technicians were less likely than pharmacists to be permanently assigned (one-third vs. one-half permanently assigned). About one-half of both large and small services indicate a desire for increased time for both pharmacists and technicians. Outpatient services were reported by fewer respondents, and the job assignments in this setting were mostly permanent. Manpower usage in both settings is primarily dedicated to drug preparation and distribution, although two-thirds of centres report small clinical services (most centres desired increased clinical services). Future planning topics ranked improved clinical services and standardization of practice highest. A 91% majority agree that there should be standards for pharmacy practice in oncology pharmacists in Canada. Many factors, including insufficient clinical services, impede specialty development and recognition, but are priority areas for future development.