Satisfaction of Cancer Patients Treated with Oral Anticancer Medications regarding Dispensing by Community Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose. The growing choice of oral anticancer medications (OAMs) delivered in pharmacies puts the patients at the center of their own therapeutic management. Patient satisfaction regarding their pharmaceutical management is particularly important for adherence to their treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the satisfaction of patients treated with OAMs regarding their dispensing in community pharmacies. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a self-questionnaire proposed to patients in hospital centers and community pharmacies. The patient’s satisfaction regarding pharmacy dispensing was assessed with a visual analogue scale. Answers to questions about the quality of information they received from health professionals were recorded. The patient’s adherence to their medication was assessed with the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Symptoms and quality of life were recorded with the QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results. Ninety-one patients were included in the analysis. The median score of satisfaction was 89 (interquartile range: 68, 100), and 49.5% had a satisfaction score ≥90/100. Satisfaction scores were higher for patients reporting information from pharmacists for the method of administration, the management of adverse effects, and drug interactions than for patients reporting no information from pharmacists. Patient satisfaction was not related to MMAS-8 scores, symptoms, or quality of life. Multivariate analysis of patient satisfaction revealed a positive relationship with information on the administration method provided by pharmacists. Conclusions. The level of information provided on OAMs to patients should be the same between pharmacists and oncologists. Good medication dispensing practices by the pharmacist are important components of patient care and satisfaction. We encourage pharmacists to provide more medication information to their patients.