Pharmaceutical Care for Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: Need for Education and Training

Background. In recent years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has emerged in pediatrics. Community pharmacists (CP) are involved in the pharmacological follow-up of these patients. This study aimed to explore the knowledge of CP and master in pharmacy students (ST) related to pediatric HSCT/oncology and to evaluate their expectations in terms of training and education.

Methodology. An online questionnaire was set up (Qualtrics©) to evaluate knowledge and need for training. It consisted of a general part, a part evaluating theoretical knowledge on HSCT/pediatric oncology and some examples to gain insight in the way they give pharmaceutical advice. The final part involved issues on past/present education.

Results. In total, 223 responses from 156 CP and 67 ST were obtained. Of them, 26,3% (CP) and 11,9% (ST) were involved in providing medication to this population. Only 34,0% (CP) and 44,0% (ST) gave correct answers to general questions. In total, 39.3% (CP and ST) had no idea how to handle this question or to give advice (47,5%).

In total, 98,7% (CP) and 97,0% (ST) found the knowledge they gained at the university insufficient for their professional practice. None of CP and 4.5% (ST) had lessons on this issue during their basic curriculum. Nevertheless, 68,6% (CP) and 79,1% (ST) found it necessary to implement this subject in the university curriculum. Finally, 91,0% (CP) and 89,6% (ST) were voluntary to follow post-university education on this subject (evening session or e-learning module).

Conclusion. Although the role of CP in pediatric HSCT/oncology has been established, the results of this study show a lack of knowledge and need for training. Both CP and ST are interested in this subject and, apart from implementation in the basic curriculum, they prefer evening sessions or e-learning training to optimize their pharmaceutical care.