Prescribing practices of oncology pharmacists working in ambulatory cancer centers in Alberta.

Objective: To describe and quantify independent prescribing of oncology pharmacists working in adult, ambulatory cancer centers in Alberta, Canada.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of oncology pharmacists prescribing in the electronic health record, ARIA was conducted. Prescriptions from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018 were analyzed.

Actual body weight dosing of temozolomide and overall survival in patients with glioblastoma.

Background: Adult glioblastoma patients receiving standard radiation therapy and concurrent temozolomide chemotherapy have a median survival of 14.6 months. Based on the pivotal trial data by Stupp et al.

Medication reconciliation in ambulatory oncology new patient clinics.

Medication Reconciliation (MedRec) is an essential part of safe medication management and plays a key role in ensuring patient safety. A variety of methods and a number of different healthcare disciplines can be involved in the MedRec process and the timing and location of conducting MedRec can vary. In an effort to streamline the process in ambulatory oncology new patient clinics, a pilot of an alternative approach was undertaken whereby pharmacists with advanced prescribing privileges completed MedRec with patients prior to their clinic visit.

The impact of palliative care consults on deprescribing in palliative cancer patients.

Purpose: The transition from active cancer treatment to palliative care often results in a shift in drug risk-benefit assessment which requires the deprescribing of various medications. Deprescribing in palliative cancer patients can benefit patients by reducing their pill burden, decrease potential side effects, and potentially decrease healthcare costs. In addition, a change in patients' goals of care (GOC) necessitates the alteration of drug therapy which includes both deprescribing and the addition of medications intended to improve quality of life.

Implementation of an online chemotherapy checking training module enhances scope of practice and ensures competency.

Chemotherapy checking is a complex task and requires a high level of alertness and attention to detail. Learning tools are required to teach the fundamental principles of chemotherapy checking. In conjunction with a graphic design team and with input from Human Factors specialists, an online chemotherapy checking training module was created.