Circuit of Specific Medications at Aziza Othmana Hospital: The Case of Chemotherapy [cite: 82]

The circuit of specific medicines at Aziza Othmana Hospital is a complex process involving various healthcare professionals. [cite: 88] The hospital pharmacy has implemented a dedicated system to ensure the management of these vital treatments. [cite: 89] Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the current circuit of specific medicines within a hospital pharmacy and to propose areas for improvement to enhance its safety. [cite: 90] Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted within the pharmacy department of Aziza Othmana Hospital over a period extending from January 2024 to August 2024. [cite: 91] Results: The analysis of the circuit identified six main stages: procurement, ordering, receiving, storage, preparation, and dispensing. [cite: 92] Procurement, which depends on the type of health coverage (National Health Insurance (CNAM) or indigent patients), is often a source of delays. [cite: 93] A total of 230 patients treated with specific cytotoxic medicines and managed within the pharmacy department of Aziza Othmana Hospital in Tunis were included. [cite: 94] The mean age of patients was 53.75 years (SD = 17.89). The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.23. [cite: 95] The hospital pharmacy did not recover the treatment for 8% of patients (19 patients), for whom chemotherapy cycles had been advanced. [cite: 96] Conclusion: The circuit of specific medicines at Aziza Othmana Hospital presents weaknesses that compromise access to treatments. [cite: 97] Better coordination among stakeholders is required. Placing the patient at the center of the process will improve the quality of care and strengthen trust in the system. [cite: 98].