Impact of clinical pharmacy services on patients in an outpatient chemotherapy academic clinic

Abstract

Background. Assessing the role of the pharmacist in an outpatient oncology clinic requires quantification of parameters that are important to the patient and the healthcare system. Patient evaluations not only serve as benchmarks for a process; but may also predict behavior such as utilization of care, continuity with the provider, and compliance. Purpose. To identify the role of the patient–pharmacist relationship and enhance patient satisfaction with care, a survey tool was developed and utilized. Methods. A 20-item, 2-page survey tool was developed and administered to oncology patients actively receiving treatment at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC) in San Antonio, Texas. Following approval from the Investigational Review Board, survey distribution began on December 1, 2009 and continued through February 2010. Basic social and demographic data were collected. Satisfaction with pharmacy service was assessed with questions on a Likert ranking scale detailing time spent with pharmacists, knowledge of medication therapy, willingness to pay for clinical pharmacy services, etc. The primary outcome was the impact of the pharmacist–patient relationship assessed by examining the interaction between time spent with pharmacist, understanding of medications, and desire for future pharmacy counseling services. Results. A total of 77 surveys were administered and collected. Of the patients surveyed, 86% stated that it is important for patients to discuss their treatment with a pharmacist and 76% requested pharmacy follow-up at future visits. Conclusion. This cross-sectional survey reveals that patients are interested in visiting with a pharmacist regularly during chemotherapy treatment and patients may be willing to pay for pharmacy counseling services.