Collaborative Care in Cancer Treatment
The Pivotal Role of Aspirus Oncology Pharmacists
8/25/2023
Cancer: a word that
carries the weight of millions
of lives affected worldwide. As medical science advances and treatment
options become more complex, the role of health care professionals in cancer
care has become increasingly crucial. Among these professionals, the oncology
pharmacist plays a pivotal role in ensuring that cancer patients receive the
most effective and safe treatments possible.
An oncology pharmacist
is a highly specialized health care professional who focuses on the
pharmaceutical care of cancer patients. These professionals are armed with
advanced knowledge acquired through post-graduate training and specialization
in fields such as pharmacology, oncology and the intricacies of cancer
treatment.
Tia Hintz, an oncology
pharmacist at Aspirus Cancer Care – Wausau says, "we work closely with
patients to adjust doses, monitor lab results, and address any side effects the
patient is experiencing."
One of the defining
aspects of an oncology pharmacist's role is the management of high-risk
medications. Hintz says safety is very important, as patients “need to know how
they interact in the world while they’re on chemotherapy or other forms of
treatment.”
She says she takes a
proactive approach by educating patients on medication interactions, lifestyle
adjustments and safety measures to protect both patients and their families.
She also helps patients navigate the often-confusing terrain of specialty medications,
ensuring no barriers stand in the way of treatment.
But oncology
pharmacists don’t work alone – they team up with oncologists, nurses, lab
technicians, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), medical assistants (MAs) and
other specialists to enhance treatment outcomes and improve the lives of cancer
patients.
“When patients seek
their cancer care here at Aspirus, they really do have a full team of people on
their side,” says Hintz. “We’re all just one big collaborative group working
together to provide comprehensive care.”
However, what truly
sets their role apart is the profound relationships they foster with their
patients. "We see patients in an office setting each and every time
they're here at the clinic, so we really get to develop a relationship and
build trust with them throughout their treatment," explains Hintz.
"We get to tell them real-world examples of side effects that our patients
are actually experiencing, so we don’t have to rely solely on what’s listed on
a package insert put out by the drug manufacturer. It allows us to say, ‘I have
patients on this drug, and they have these side effects.’”
This transparency
fosters trust and empowers patients to manage their treatment with confidence.
"When patients
choose Aspirus Cancer Care, they can be confident that they are getting the
best care for their specific type of cancer," reassures Hintz.
Through collaboration,
dedication and an unwavering commitment to their profession, oncology
pharmacists like Hintz play a pivotal role in the ongoing fight against cancer,
offering a beacon of hope to patients and their families during the most trying
of times.
To learn more about
Aspirus Cancer Care, visit https://www.aspirus.org/cancer-care-blood-disorders.
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