[Oncology pharmacy specialists in oncology]

To provide effective and safe cancer treatment, the medical staff must form a team with patients and their family. Pharmacists have to be responsible for verifying chemotherapy prescription orders, mixing of anticancer drugs, management of adverse drug reactions, patient education, while providing drug information and participation in palliative care. To promote pharmacists who have acquired advanced knowledge and skills, The Japanese Society of Hospital Pharmacists started and educational program and established the certification of board-certified oncology pharmacy specialists (BCOPS) and board-certified pharmacists in oncology pharmacy (BCPOP). As of November 2007, 56 pharmacists were qualified as BCOPS.