Optimizing medication guidance support for patients with cancer pain: development and evaluation of a pharmaceutical care system for healthcare professionals

• Published in: Supportive care in cancer Vol. 32; no. 8; p. 533
• Main Authors: Huang, Ling, Zhang, Lu, Huang, Hangxing, Cai, Ruwen, Yu, Huimin, Li, Jingyang, Li, Mengyao, Yu, Ting, Cheng, Shuqiao, Xiao, Jian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.08.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Analgesics - administration & dosage; Analgesics - therapeutic use; Cancer; Cancer Pain - drug therapy; Drug administration; Drug Administration Schedule; Health Personnel; Humans; Medical personnel; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nursing; Nursing Research; Oncology; Pain; Pain management; Pain Management - methods; Pain Medicine; Patient compliance; Patient education; Pharmaceutical Services - organization & administration; Pharmacists; Pharmacists - organization & administration; Prescription drugs; Rehabilitation Medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cancer pain; Usage evaluation; Medication education; Universal medication schedule; Intelligent system
• ISSN: 0941-4355; 1433-7339; 1433-7339
• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08738-2

Background Effective management of cancer pain critically depends on timely medication administration and adherence to precise medication guidelines. In the context of limited time and a busy healthcare environment, tailoring the optimal medication schedule for each patient with cancer pain presents a significant challenge for physicians and clinical pharmacists. Methods To address this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of healthcare professionals’ needs in guiding cancer pain medication. By developing core features based on key user needs and continuously updating them, we have created the Universal Medication Schedule System (UMSS). We invited 20 physicians and pharmacists specializing in oncology or cancer pain to trial the system and assessed UMSS usage through distributed questionnaires. Results We identified five key needs of healthcare professionals in cancer pain medication guidance. Based on these needs, we (1) constructed a comprehensive drug information database, including basic information for 1135 drugs, 130,590 drug interaction data entries, and 1409 individual medication timing constraints, and (2) developed a web-based system that provides essential reference information such as drug interactions and dietary restrictions. It can create medication schedules and provide medication education tailored to the patient’s daily routine. Participating evaluators unanimously agreed (100%) that the system aids in accurately assessing the risks of polypharmacy and quickly scheduling medication regimens. Conclusion UMSS, by offering personalized medication schedule support, assists healthcare professionals in better managing patients’ medication treatment plans. However, further improvements are needed in the automation of database updates and maintenance, as well as in integrating it with electronic health records.