Pharmacy Focus: Oncology Edition- Integrating Oncology Pharmacists into Multidisciplinary Care Teams for Improved Patient Outcomes

The podcast discusses City of Hope Chicago's model of fully integrating oncology pharmacists into multidisciplinary care teams by positioning them in clinics alongside oncologists. This allows for improved collaboration and communication to minimize delays for patients. Erica Marchese PharmD, MHA, BCPS, BCOP, BCSCP, Director of Pharmacy at City of Hope Chicago, highlights how this decentralized model enhances pharmacists' ability to be proactive in patient care and directly improve outcomes through more efficient medication management and addressing clinical questions.

Experts Include:

Erica Marchese, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, BCOP, BCSCP, Director of Pharmacy at City of Hope Chicago.

Key Takeaways

1. Integrating pharmacists directly into multidisciplinary clinics allows them to collaborate face-to-face with other providers to efficiently address medication-related questions and share patient care responsibilities.
2. Positioning pharmacists alongside oncologists minimizes delays in care by streamlining communication and enabling pharmacists to proactively counsel patients at the point of care.
3. Decentralizing the pharmacist's role enhances their ability to optimize medication management, safety, and outcomes through direct involvement in clinical decision making.
4. Implementing this model requires buy-in from leadership, clear communication across departments, and a focus on strengthening teamwork and trust between pharmacists and other care teams.
5. Prioritizing speed of care delivery and embracing changes in pharmacy practice are important factors for the success of integrating pharmacists into multidisciplinary cancer care.