The cardio-oncology multidisciplinary team: beyond the basics
Joshua D Bennetts1,2,3, Trent D Williams2,3,4,5, Craig J Beavers6
1School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
Insights
This review defines the roles of pharmacists and nurses in multidisciplinary cardio-oncology care. It explores models to improve cancer patient outcomes and addresses challenges in rural and remote areas.
Area of Science:
- Cardio-oncology
- Multidisciplinary care
- Oncology nursing
Background:
- Multidisciplinary teams are crucial for patient-centered cardio-oncology care.
- While oncologists, hematologists, and cardiologists' roles are defined, other allied health professionals' roles are less clear.
- This review focuses on pharmacists and nurses within the cardio-oncology team.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the specific roles of pharmacists and nurses in multidisciplinary cardio-oncology teams.
- To explore innovative models for expanding cardio-oncology service delivery.
- To identify challenges in providing cardio-oncology care to diverse populations, including those in rural and remote settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the integration of pharmacists and nurses in cardio-oncology.
- Analysis of existing models of care in cardio-oncology.
- Discussion of challenges and opportunities for service expansion.
Main Results:
- The review clarifies the essential contributions of pharmacists and nurses to cardio-oncology patient care.
- Identified opportunities exist to enhance service delivery models.
- Challenges persist, particularly for patients in regional, rural, and remote locations.
Conclusions:
- Integrating pharmacists and nurses strengthens the multidisciplinary cardio-oncology team.
- Expanding service delivery models can improve patient outcomes.
- Addressing geographical disparities is key to equitable cardio-oncology care.
Abstract:
A cardio-oncology multidisciplinary team is essential for the successful delivery of patient-centred care. The roles of oncologists, haematologists, and cardiologists have been clearly articulated in literature pertaining to the creation of cardio-oncology clinics. However, the involvement of other key team members, such as pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners, social workers, psychologists and other allied health professionals has been less well-defined. In this review we aim to define the role of pharmacists and nurses as part of a multidisciplinary cardio-oncology team. We also discuss models of care and opportunities to expand the delivery of cardio-oncology services to further enhance outcomes for individuals with cancer, and highlight the challenges experienced by those living in regional, rural, and remote communities.
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