Developing a targeted pharmacy oncology guide

Introduction. The need for continuing education and professional development for pharmacists and technicians in the field of oncology was identified at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) annual cancer care conference in November 2000. As a result, in November 2001, the position of Pharmacy Communities Oncology Network (CON) Educator was created to support oncology pharmacy educational needs throughout the province of British Columbia. Objective. To describe how a pharmacy guide, specific to the needs of hospital oncology pharmacists in British Columbia, was developed. The guide will help to provide standardized and consistent oncology care, ensuring appropriate patient care and safety. Methods. A specific needs assessment was developed and distributed to oncology pharmacists practicing in the province of British Columbia. Results were evaluated to determine the topic of the first oncology module. Results. ‘Pharmacy Guide to BC Cancer Agency Chemotherapy Protocols: The Clinical Interpretation and Application of Treatment Protocol Summaries’waspublishedanddistributedin November 2003. Conclusion. Using the results of a provincially distributed needs survey, the Pharmacy Communities Oncology Network Educators at the BC Cancer Agency were able to assess the requirements of the hospital pharmacists in the communities and produce a pharmacy oncology guide targeted to their needs.