The role of community pharmacists in cancer survivorship care - a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: This scoping review aimed to (1) explore the role of community pharmacy-based cancer survivorship care, (2) report any patients' and services' outcomes from community pharmacy care in cancer survivorship care, and (3) identify barriers and facilitators encountered by community pharmacists in providing survivorship support.

Method: A search strategy was conducted across Medline (Ovid), Scopus, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library and CINAHL, supplemented by grey literature and a reference list screening. Abstract and full text screening was carried out according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the PCC framework (Population, Concept, Context).

Result: Forty-two articles were included. Studies demonstrated emerging roles for community pharmacists across five key focus areas: (1) medication dispensing and management, (2) lifestyle and supportive care, (3) side effects management, (4) emotional and psychosocial support, and (5) collaboration with other healthcare providers. Current interventions showed positive impacts on patients' quality of life and on the quality of cancer survivorship care provided. Key barriers included a lack of oncology-specific knowledge and training among community pharmacists, their limited access to patient records, a lack of integration into oncology care teams, limited patient awareness of available pharmacist services, and limited resources. The facilitators comprised increased education and training in oncology, greater access to patient records, and better communication among healthcare providers.

Conclusion: Community pharmacists have potential to contribute to cancer survivorship care but face several barriers that need to be addressed.

Implications for cancer survivors: This review highlights the opportunity of community pharmacists to support cancer survivors.

Keywords: Cancer; Community pharmacists; Survivorship.