Abstract

THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST IN ONCOLOGICAL PATIENT SAFETY: LITERATURE REVIEW

Silvânio Custódio Araújo* and Ana Laura Remédio Zeni Beretta

Abstract

Currently, neoplastic diseases have become important in the public health scenario in Brazil and in the world, presenting a high incidence rate, but also a good cure rate when patients are diagnosed and treated quickly. Recent studies indicate that 18 million new cases of cancer occurred in the world. Currently, more than one hundred types of drugs are used in oncological care, which differ in their chemical composition, target cells, purpose of use and adverse effects for different types of specific cancers. According to the Federal Council of Pharmacy, pharmaceutical care and assistance are characterized by the actions of a Pharmacist, in which the patient is the main beneficiary, and this professional must be present in all stages of handling and dispensing of chemotherapy provided in Brazil. Given the above, this research was based on literature review studies, in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Academic Google, Pubmed, Virtual Health Library, National Cancer Institute databases, on the importance of the oncologist pharmacist in the safety of the patient and within the multidisciplinary team. The study suggested the paramount importance of the work of the pharmacist in the oncology area and the team, since the patient is in a vulnerable state of health, requiring specific follow-up and care to obtain a safe and effective treatment.

Keywords: Patient safety, Oncology, Pharmacist.