The Pharmacist’s Role in Clinical Trials
By Dr Alexandre Chan, Clinical Pharmacist, NCC
Ms Ng Hui Cheng, Senior Pharmacist, NCC
Pharmacists have an active role to play in research and clinical trials. First of all, we provide the necessary facilities required for proper storage of the investigational medicinal products (IMPs), either in the fridge or at controlled room temperature. Regular temperature monitoring is ensured and recorded.
It is also the pharmacist’s duty to ensure there is constant supply of IMPs at all times, and that they are dispensed to patients accordingly. Patients are counselled on the correct use of the IMPs in addition to any written information that is provided, such as, Informed Consent Form or the Patient Information Leaflet. IMPs returns from patients are counted and documented to determine compliance to the treatment. For injectable IMPs, pharmacists will also ensure that they are prepared in accordance to the specifications stipulated in the trial, and that they are administered appropriately.
Besides managing clinical trials, oncology pharmacists often run research projects that is aimed at improving outcomes in patients who receive medications, such as chemotherapy or other supportive drugs like anti-emetics, blood growth factor injections, etc.
Drug Utilization Evaluations (DUEs) are research projects that are commonly conducted by pharmacists. These projects aim to facilitate rational use of drugs within our patients. Essentially, providing insights on how drugs are used in patients and observing prescribing patterns by our physicians. DUEs are sometimes considered as drug audits because pharmacists are ensuring the use of medication is appropriate.
In addition, pharmacists also conduct observational surveys that are aimed at investigating patients’ or physicians’ perspectives and attitudes towards medications. Results obtained from surveys are used to improve the services that we provide to our patients. Currently, NCC’s oncology pharmacy is conducting two surveys. They are aimed at investigating patients’ use of complementary and alternative medications and on patients’ perspective on safe handling of oral anti-cancer drugs. Very often, pharmacy students who are adequately trained to conduct research are assigned to survey the patients. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patients who have consented to participate in the surveys. |
