Justification and implementation of an oncology pharmacist practitioner in an HMO setting

The role of an oncology pharmacist practitioner in an outpatient clinic is described. The clinic provides cancer treatment and follow-up to approximately 60 to 80 patients per day. The hospital pharmacy department, the director of the medical oncology service, and the oncology nurse specialist presented a proposal to the clinic administration for the employment of a full-time pharmacist. Previously, the clinic nursing staff prepared all chemotherapeutic agents. The oncology pharmacist now prepares between 35 to 75 chemotherapy drug doses per day. As a result, nurses are able to devote more time to direct patient care. Through the application of inventory management, clinic drug costs have been reduced. In addition, patients undergoing chemotherapy no longer have to wait for their prescriptions since the oncology pharmacist calls them to the outpatient pharmacy. A valuable service has been introduced tht not only benefits the clinic personnel, but also assures that the patients receive the highest standards of care.