PHP56 The Emergent Role of the Specialist Pharmacist as an Important Stakeholder in Market Access

Abstract

Over the last decade, specialist pharmacists across Europe have seen an emergent role in many areas of the healthcare pathway. This research examined four key domains - clinical, policy, education and research - of influence of specialist pharmacists with goal of understanding how they can impact market access of drugs. Structured interviews with 25 specialist oncology pharmacists from EU5 exploring various aspects within the four identified domains of influence. A selection of the most important roles of the specialist pharmacist by domain is presented below: Clinical: 1) Coordinate safe and timely administration of drugs and supportive treatment; 2) Coordinate outpatient supportive care focusing on management of symptoms; and 3) Help develop treatment guidelines to ensure optimal use of supportive care medications. Policy: 1) Provide formulary review for new drugs, and 2) Facilitate reimbursement for a more efficient practice. Education: 1) Educate patients and members of the HC team about drugs and their expected side effects and management, and 2) Educate members of the public about prevention strategies and recommendation for screening and early detection. Research: 1) Conduct internal treatment protocol audits to optimise patient care pathway, and 2) Participate in institutional review board for approval of clinical trials as well as scientific review and monitoring committees. A cornerstone of market access is identification of important stakeholders within a health care economy with the goal of understanding the roles they play in the care pathway. The specialist pharmacist is an often overlooked, but increasingly important stakeholder in the European health care system. The multitude of roles played by the specialist pharmacist is in itself evidence of increasing importance of the role. Pharmaceutical companies will need to engage more closely with specialist pharmacists to ensure better patient outcomes through appropriate use of drugs leading ultimately to increased market access.