Example of a “Day in the Life” of a UT Medical Center Inpatient Oncology Pharmacist Specialist
Review all patients who were admitted
• Review laboratory data, diagnostic data, medical specialist notes, nursing notes and concurrent medications for appropriateness and potential medication-related problems (e.g., potential drug interactions, dose adjustments for organ dysfunction). • Provide new medication-change recommendations to physicians and advanced practice providers.
Round with the team
• Answer drug information questions. • Provide new medication-change recommendations based on the team’s discussion of each patient.
Compose and review new chemotherapy orders
• Review laboratory data, diagnostic data, medical specialist notes, nursing notes and concurrent medications for appropriateness and potential medication-related problems (e.g., potential drug interactions, dose adjustments for organ dysfunction). • Provide medication-change recommendations to the team.
Provide medication-related services to all inpatients
• Verify all medication orders entered by health care practitioners. • Modify therapy for institution-related medication protocols (e.g., adjust doses of medications when renal dysfunction is present). • Perform medication reconciliation. • Perform discharge medication counseling (use, side effects, etc.). • Arrange for pharmacy to fill prescriptions at time of discharge in an effort to have the patient leave the hospital with medications in hand.
Finally, almost all oncology pharmacists at the medical center are board certified. In addition to their pharmacy education and state licensure, they have completed two additional years of formalized training (a pharmacy practice residency and oncology residency) and passed the Board of Pharmacy Specialties accredited Oncology Pharmacy certification exam. Within the East Tennessee region, the large team of board-certified oncology pharmacists is unique to the medical center, demonstrating our strong commitment to high quality patient care and safety.
CI patients with any medication-related questions can ask to speak with an oncology pharmacist during their infusion treatments. A member of the team is always available to speak with patients and their caregivers.
Cancer Institute Annual Report | 19
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