Impact of Oncology Pharmacists on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Clinicians to Enhance Patient Engagement of Self-Administered Oral Oncolytics

Abstract

Oncology clinical pharmacists are uniquely positioned to make interventions to impact the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of clinicians as well as patient activation and engagement. To accomplish this goal, pharmacists can target health system-related, provider-related, and patient-related factors to enhance patient-centered care and drive behavioral health changes. Interventions that pharmacists must tackle include educating team members and patients on the medication acquisition process, communicating urgency of treatment, optimizing workflows, facilitating guideline recommendations, preventing, and managing treatment toxicities, and promoting patient self-advocacy through education and shared decision-making. As crucial members of the healthcare team, oncology pharmacists can simplify highly complex treatment regimens to facilitate and optimize patients' ownership of their care. This narrative review will focus on the example of venetoclax treatment in acute myeloid leukemia to demonstrate the impact that pharmacists provide that leads to behavioral change of patients and clinicians.

Keywords: behavioral health change; oral oncolytic; patient activation; patient engagement; self-administered therapy.

Figure 1

Complexities Surrounding Venetoclax Access in Clinical Practice. After venetoclax is sent to the pharmacy of choice, various pathways are available to help obtain medication and limit patient financial toxicity. Based on insurance status, copay affordability, income status, and other factors, patients may be eligible for copay cards, manufacturer assistance, charity grant, or other avenues for financial help. Rx = prescription; PA = prior authorization; * If patient meets income eligibility requirements for assistance.