Patient-Centered Standards for Medically Integrated Dispensing: ASCO/NCODA Standards

Area of Science:

• Oncology Pharmacy Practice
• Patient-Centered Care
• Medication Management

Background:

• Oral anticancer drugs and supportive care medications require specialized dispensing practices.
• Existing standards for medically integrated dispensing needed to be updated and expanded.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish evidence-based standards for the medically integrated dispensing of oral anticancer and supportive care medications.
• To ensure patient safety, adherence, and optimal outcomes in oral cancer therapy management.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar up to April 2019.
• An Expert Panel reviewed existing patient-centered standards, including those from the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA).
• Public comments were solicited and incorporated into the final standards.

Main Results:

• A high-quality systematic review (current to May 2016) formed the evidence base.
• Five additional studies demonstrated that multifaceted interventions, often led by oncology pharmacists, improved patient quality, safety, and adherence.
• These interventions included patient education and regular follow-up and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• The developed American Society of Clinical Oncology/NCODA standards align with NCODA's patient-centered principles.
• Standards cover patient relationships, education, adherence, safety, data collection, and documentation.
• These standards aim to optimize the medically integrated dispensing of oral anticancer and supportive care medications.