A Proposed Medical Coordination Model for Pharmaceutical Palliative Care in Community Pharmacies-A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract

In recent years, the number of patients undergoing outpatient cancer treatment has been increasing. Community pharmacies, have been increasingly involved in cancer treatment and home palliative care. However, there are several hurdles to overcome, such as logistical support during non-standard working hours (at night or during holidays), emergency visits, and for aseptic dispensing. In this paper, we describe a model of medical coordination for emergency home visits during non-standard working hours in which opioid injections need to be dispensed. The study was conducted using a mixed methods approach. We investigated the need for a medical coordination model in home palliative care as well as the issues that need to be improved upon. We constructed, implemented, and assessed the effectiveness of our medical coordination model in a research setting. The medical coordination model reduced the sense of difficulty for general practitioners and community pharmacists in dealing with patients during non-standard working hours and strengthened the degree of cooperation within the coordination team. The activities of the collaborative team saved patients from emergency hospitalization and enabled them to receive end-of-life care at home in accordance with their wishes. The basic framework of the medical coordination model can be adapted according to regional needs and will help promote home palliative care in the future.