[What are the expectations of coordination and accompaniment of French patients with cancer towards their community pharmacist?]

PURPOSES: Analyze the relationship and expectations of cancer patients towards the community pharmacist in a pharmaceutical care coordination project.

METHODS: In November 2014, a questionnaire was distributed to ambulatory patients of a university hospital specialized in oncology. Thirteen questions explored the consumption habits and the usage of the pharmacy (typology of consumers, use of goods and benefits consumed), and collected their expectations for pharmaceutical benefits in the context of the management of their cancer.

RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and seventy two patients were included for a final response rate of 78%. Characteristics of the respondents: 64% were women, 63% lived in Île-de-France and 49% took cancer-related treatments (anticancer drugs, supportive care medications). More than 84% of respondents went to pharmacies at least once a month and 95% reported resorting to a single pharmacy. 36% to be ready to share their hospital discharge report with their pharmacist and 61% to have their hospitalization order sent to their "referral" pharmacy to anticipate treatments. Discussion Community pharmacists were perceived positively by the respondents. Patients were willing to share information and be accompanied by this health professional in their cancer care. Their expectations were first and foremost the management of drug-related iatrogenic effects with a report of adverse effects to the hospital, and validated solutions for their management.