INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION OF NURSES AND PHARMACISTS IN MONITORING CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS: THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAMS IN CONTROLLING DRUG RELATED CONSEQUENCES IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: This nursing research project describes the impact of interprofessional cooperation of nurses and pharmacists on the management of side effects of chemotherapy in the patients with a focus on comfort, the control of symptoms and compliance with the treatment plan. 

Methods: The study made use of qualitative methodology, which was complemented by semi structured interviews and focus groups with 25 patients, 10 nurses and 5 pharmacists from a tertiary hospital. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis to describe recurrent themes regarding patient perspective and the interaction. 

Results: Findings of the study indicated that the collaborative model of care improved patient’s comfort through custom made symptoms elimination issues as well as assisting in building trust thereby improving adherence. Nonetheless, communication drawbacks relating to lack of time and overlap of roles were observed indicating the need for specific protocols to be developed for joint collaborations. 

Conclusion: There is evident as well as significant improvement in the management of symptoms and emotions of oncology patients, which can be simplified by efficient collaboration between nurses and pharmacists. Therefore, the use of standardized protocols is necessary to improve coordination and collaboration among patients and professionals.