Assessment of Drug-Related Problems in Diabetic Cancer Patients: Influence of Pharmacist Intervention

INTRODUCTION : Drug Related-Problems pose worse outcomes on general patient’s health. Rational drug use is significantly important as it affects the patient’s recovery and reduce hospitilization. A vital role of the clinical pharmacist is the detection and prevention of Drug-Related Problems. The provision of patient education is an important step to reduce and amolirate Drug-Related Problems during chemotherapy administration . AIM: To assess the occurrence of Drug-Related Problems and the importance of effective provision of patient education by the clinical pharmacist in reducing and solving of these problems in diabetic patients suffering from cancer. METHODS: A controlled longitudinal prospective study carried out on 50 diabetic patients with new diagnosis of diverse cancer types eligible for chemotherapy at the oncology unit. Drug-Related Problems were evaluated, and proper patient education was provided during the required chemotherapy protocol schedule . RESULTS : A significant improvement in the occurrence of Drug-Related Problems and a significant ( p<0.05 ) decrease in the occurrence and severity of chemotherapy-related adverse effects was observed after the clinical pharmacist intervention and provision of patient education. CONCLUSION : Results of this study revealed the remarkable role of clinical pharmacist in detecting and reducing Drug-Related Problems in diabetic cancer patients.