Petra Czarniak

Background Prescription‐related errors and misinterpretation of oral cancer treatment instructions can lead to significant harm or fatal outcomes for patients. The impact of specialist pharmacist‐led consultation for patients taking oral antineoplastic medicines (OAMs) across a range of cancer types in an Australian setting has not been studied. Aim To evaluate the impact of specialist cancer pharmacist patient consultation in a pharmacist‐led anticancer clinic across a range of cancer types and evaluate health service staff perceptions of these consultations. Method Retrospective data were collected from electronic patient medical records from 2017 to 2020 at a Western Australian quaternary hospital. The impacts of pharmacist clinical interventions were classified using a validated tool and specialist interdisciplinary panel consensus. An online staff survey was conducted using Qualtrics. Results Of 246 patients reviewed, 76 (30.8%, p < .001) had received a clinical intervention of which 48 (63.2%) were classified as high‐extreme and 28 (36.8%) as low‐moderate impact ( p = .021). Patients on ≥5 concurrent medications or > 65 years may represent high risk groups. Thirty‐seven clinical staff were surveyed (37/55; 67.3%) and all strongly agreed/ agreed pharmacist consultation improved patient understanding and medication management confidence ( p < .001). All cancer center staff (26/26) strongly agreed/agreed the clinic added value to the cancer service ( p < .001), and 96.2% perceived it improved patient outcomes ( p < .001). Conclusions Specialist pharmacist‐led patient consultation for patients on OAM regimens may protect patients from high and extreme risk of harm. Specialist interdisciplinary staff supported this service.