Task allocation in cancer medication management - Integrating the pharmacist

Objective: This study was conducted to define the task allocation in multiprofessional cancer medication management (MCMM) with a special focus on the role of the pharmacist as well as patient education and counseling. The acceptance of the proposed task allocation and the perceptions on multiprofessional teamwork were explored on a national level. Methods: We held local focus group meetings (University of Bonn with collaboration partners) to identify MCMM tasks. With the Delphi technique the tasks were allocated to physicians, pharmacists and nurses. Professionals (members of the German Cancer Society) were approached nationwide via an online questionnaire to evaluate the acceptance of the MCMM model and explore their perceptions on multiprofessional teamwork. Results: The MCMM model comprised 38 tasks including 11 on patient education and counseling. It was rated to be reasonable (79%) and feasible (68%). Barriers and benefits of multiprofessional teamwork stated were patient-, team-, therapy-, structure-, and resources-related. Conclusions: The MCMM model integrates the pharmacist with responsibilities in patient education and counseling as well as prevention of drug-related problems. The approach was generally appreciated nationwide by the professions. Practice implications: The proposed model can serve as a tool to trigger changes in cancer medication management. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.