Comprehensive clinical pharmacy documentation in an out-patient cancer facility

Clinical pharmacy activities that affect patient outcome are a high priority in pharmacy practice. A relatively simple method of documentation for analysis of these clinical pharmacy activities in an out-patient oncology setting is described. Policies and procedures for clinical pharmacy activities were developed and formalized in an effort to standardize pharmaceutical care in the cancer facility. Consultations or drug information questions originating outside the pharmacy, as well as interventions initiated by a pharmacist were all documented on a comprehensive activity form on a daily basis by each pharmacist. All medication counseling sessions by a pharmacist were also recorded. During a 12 month study period, a total of 1828 activities were recorded. Of these, 343 (18.8%) were pharmacist-initiated interventions to drug therapy. Recommendations were accepted by physicians in 293 (85.4%) of these interventions. In 125 (36.4%) cases, potentially serious negative patient outcomes were avoided by this clinical pharmacy activity.