Pharmacist’s Evaluation of Medication Related Problems with Cancer: An Individualized Medication Assessment and Planning (iMAP) Approach

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) programs play a pivotal role in ensuring optimal patient care, particularly among older adults and individuals with complex health needs such as cancer patients. Ten crucial processes are included in the patient-centered Medication Therapy Management (MTM) project called Individualized Medication Assessment and Planning (iMAP), which aims to improve the safety and efficacy of medications. While initially designed for those aged 65 and above, its relevance extends to diverse patient populations grappling with multiple comorbidities and medication regimens.¹ Assessing medication appropriateness in cancer patients involves navigating various risk factors, including adverse effects, drug interactions and disease-specific considerations. Established criteria standards like Beers Criteria and the Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) provide frameworks for evaluating medication suitability, encompassing aspects such as indications, dosing and potential interactions.²

Polypharmacy, a common phenomenon in older adults, poses significant challenges in cancer care. Limited attention has been directed towards polypharmacy in older cancer patients, with research indicating substantial medication burdens among this demographic. Studies have highlighted a prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications and drug interactions, further compounded by the complexities of cancer treatment.³ In epidemiological terms, the prevalence of polypharmacy among older cancer patients is notable. Studies, such as the one conducted in Denmark, reveal that a considerable proportion of elderly cancer patients are prescribed multiple medications, often escalating with disease progression. Interestingly, the onset of polypharmacy can precede the cancer diagnosis, potentially indicating early symptoms prompting medication initiation.⁴

Pharmacists play a critical role in optimizing medication use for cancer patients, not only in the technical aspects of dispensing but also in providing clinical expertise. While the technical roles of pharmacists in chemotherapy preparation are well-defined, their clinical responsibilities vary across regions, leading to inconsistencies in patient care quality. A standardized script mirrored the strategy used during the first in-person visit and directed the delivery of the iMAP intervention at the 30- and 60-day follow-up intervals (Figure 1). We called each patient at the primary or backup number that they had supplied. At every follow-up session, there were up to five efforts to get in touch with the patient, caregiver, or proxy. The patient/caregiver report was given priority over pharmacy data in the event of any discrepancy.⁵ If any new Medication-Related Problems (MRPs) were found during these follow-up visits, the clinical pharmacist would either provide the patient advice directly or direct instructions to follow up with their prescribing physician or office. An adaptable version of the iMAP classification tool served as the foundation for the MRP assessment, enabling the methodical classification and prioritizing of issues that were found. This approach ensures continuity of care beyond the initial intervention, allowing for ongoing monitoring, identification and resolution of MRPs, thereby optimizing medication management and patient outcomes.

Medication-Related Problems (MRPs) are categorized by the iMAP software using the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) categorization system. Numerous criteria are covered by this categorization system, such as monitoring requirements, non-adherence, under treatment and suboptimal medication usage, dosage, duration, frequency and administration. (Figure 2).^6,7 By employing this classification system, the iMAP program ensures a structured approach to identify and address MRPs systematically. Each category allows for a comprehensive assessment of medication-related issues, facilitating tailored interventions to optimize medication therapy and improve patient outcomes. Utilizing the ASHP classification system enhances the consistency and effectiveness of the iMAP program, aligning with established standards in pharmacy practice. This approach promotes patient-centred care by addressing a wide range of medication-related concerns, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective medication use.

This article explores the landscape of medication-related issues in cancer care, emphasizing the need for standardized clinical services provided by pharmacists to ensure safe, effective and economical use of cancer drugs. By elucidating the challenges and opportunities in medication management for cancer patients, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of patient-centered care in oncology settings.

Figure 1:
iMAP Intervention in a modified version.⁵

Figure 2:
Medication related problems classification system.^6,7

In order to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led intervention utilizing iMAP program on MRPs among elderly cancer patients, this study used a randomized controlled design. The influence of the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) model on iMAP is another goal of the study.

The study was conducted at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Belagavi, India. The target population comprises older cancer patients admitted to the Oncology Inpatient Department.

The difference in the proportion of cancer patients between the intervention and control groups is used to calculate the sample size. A total sample size of 238 individuals (119 in each group) is calculated using a procedure that accounts for power (80%) and significance level (5%). Of the 238 senior citizens who were assessed for enrolment, 144 qualified patients were able to sign up for the research. 137 cases were subsequently included to the final analysis. Their participation was contingent upon their fulfilment of the 30-day and 60-day telephone follow-up sessions, which guaranteed thorough data gathering and analysis (Figure 3).

Participants will be randomly allocated to either the intervention (study) group or the control group using computer-generated simple randomization. Sequentially Numbered, Opaque, Sealed Envelopes (SNOSE) method will be employed for concealment.

The iMAP program consists of 10 essential steps, which will be implemented in the intervention group. These steps include reviewing medical records, conducting comprehensive medication reviews, identifying MRPs, formulating assessment and optimization plans, communicating with primary care providers, implementing plans, educating patients, documenting in medical records, reconciling medications and providing ongoing follow-up.

Data was collected using well-designed data collection forms, informed consent forms, patient ID cards, patient information leaflets and questionnaires. The study assessed medication-related problems, compliance with chemotherapy and quality of life of cancer patients. Informed consent obtained from all participants.

Statistical methods such as chi-square tests and other appropriate techniques was utilized to analyse the collected data. The analysis was focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the pharmacist-led intervention in reducing MRP among older cancer patients and its impact on compliance and quality of life.

The materials utilized in the study includes informed consent forms, patient ID cards, data collection forms, patient information leaflets, questionnaires and quality of life scales. These materials are essential for participant recruitment, data collection and assessment of study outcomes.

The primary outcomes include assessing the effectiveness of the pharmacist-led intervention on MRP among older cancer patients and evaluating the impact of the MTM model on individualized medication assessment and planning.

The study included a total of 238 participants, with 137 individuals receiving the iMAP intervention. The mean age of all participants was 77.7 years (SD=8.53), ranging from 65 to 101 years. Among those receiving the iMAP intervention, the mean age was slightly higher at 79.1 years (SD=8.10). The distribution of participants across age ranges showed a predominance of individuals aged 80-89 years in both groups (Table 1). Regarding gender distribution, 53.78% of participants were females and 46.21% were males. This distribution was similar in the iMAP intervention group, with 54.74% females and 45.25% males (Table 1). In terms of education level, the majority of participants had completed at least a technical school education, with 24.78% having attended technical school and 31.93% being college graduates. Similar education distributions were observed in the iMAP intervention group (Table 1). The most common cancer types among participants were solid malignancies, with breast cancer (18.06%) and colorectal cancer (13.02%) being the most prevalent. Hematologic malignancies, including lymphoma (10.50%) and myeloma (8.40%), were also represented. The stage of solid tumour presentation varied, with stage IV being the most common (28.15%) (Table 1).

Recurrence of cancer was observed in a significant portion of participants, with metastatic recurrence being reported in 16.80% of cases. Adherence to medication, as assessed by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), showed varying levels of adherence among participants, with 34.87% demonstrating high adherence (Table 1). Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, was prevalent among participants, with 54.20% of all participants and 43.79% of those in the iMAP intervention group experiencing polypharmacy. Potentially inappropriate medication use was also noted, with 27.31% of all participants and 21.16% of those in the iMAP intervention group receiving potentially inappropriate medications (Table 1). At three different time points-baseline, 30-day follow-up and 60-day follow-up-the efficacy of the iMAP intervention in lowering the number of MRPs was assessed. The mean of MRPs per participant was 3 (±1.91), ranging from 0 to 9. Following the intervention, the mean number of MRPs decreased to 1.9 (±1.58) at the 30-day follow-up and further decreased to 1.63 (±1.46) at the 60-day follow-up, indicating a reduction in MRPs over time (Table 2). The distribution of MRPs across different categories was assessed at each time point. The most common MRP category at baseline was “Inadequate medication-no indication or therapeutic need,” accounting for 33.33% of MRPs. This category remained prevalent at both the 30 and 60-day follow-ups, with percentages decreasing slightly over time (Table 2). “Inadequate drug-safer alternatives accessible,” “Under-treatment-untreated clinical condition,” and “Inadequate dosing-dose too high” were among other frequent MRP categories. Some of these categories showed declines in prevalence after the intervention, whereas others had varied frequencies over the various time periods. Several specific MRPs were identified within each category, such as the absence of nutritional deficiencies being addressed by multivitamins/ supplements, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without a clear indication and under-treatment of medical conditions requiring immunizations.

The findings of this study corroborate previous research highlighting the significant medication-related challenges faced by older cancer patients and underscore the potential of pharmacist-led interventions to mitigate these issues. Polypharmacy, a prevalent phenomenon among older adults with cancer, poses substantial risks, including ADE, drug interactions and compromised treatment efficacy.⁸ The observed reduction in the number of MRPs following the iMAP intervention aligns with studies demonstrating the benefits of pharmacist-led medication management programs in improving medication safety and optimizing therapy outcomes.^9,10

Figure 3:
Schematic diagram of patient enrolment and follow-up.

The effectiveness of the iMAP intervention in reducing the number of MRPs over a 60-day period is noteworthy. The observed decrease in the mean number of MRPs from baseline to both the 30-day, 60-day follow-ups suggests that the intervention led to improvements in medication appropriateness and safety among older cancer patients. The reduction in MRPs is particularly promising given the potential adverse effects and drug interactions associated with polypharmacy, which can compromise patient outcomes and quality of life. The persistent prevalence of MRPs related to suboptimal drug use underscores the importance of ongoing medication assessment and optimization in cancer care. Suboptimal prescribing practices, such as the use of medications without clear indications or safer alternatives, represent areas where pharmacist interventions can lead to meaningful improvements in patient care.¹¹ By leveraging tools like the Beers Criteria and the MAI, pharmacists can systematically evaluate medication appropriateness and recommend evidence-based alternatives, thereby reducing the risk of adverse drug events and treatment-related complications.^12,13 The distribution of MRPs across different categories provides insights into the specific areas where pharmacist-led interventions can have the most impact. The persistent prevalence of MRPs related to suboptimal drug use underscores the need for ongoing medication assessment and optimization in cancer care. Additionally, the identification of specific MRPs within each category highlights actionable areas for intervention, such as addressing nutritional deficiencies, optimizing dosing regimens and ensuring adherence to evidence-based guidelines. The identification of specific MRPs within each category provides actionable insights for targeted intervention strategies. For example, addressing nutritional deficiencies through appropriate supplementation and optimizing dosing regimens for high-risk medications can help mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy and improve treatment outcomes.^14,15 Additionally, interventions aimed at improving medication adherence and addressing patient-specific barriers to therapy can further enhance the effectiveness of pharmacist-led medication management programs.¹⁶ The study’s findings underscore the critical role of pharmacists in interdisciplinary cancer care teams. Pharmacists possess the clinical expertise necessary to assess medication appropriateness, identify DRP, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize therapy regimens.¹⁷ By integrating pharmacist-led interventions like the iMAP program into routine oncology practice, healthcare teams can enhance medication safety, improve treatment adherence and ultimately, enhance the quality of care for older cancer patients.

This study provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions, such as the iMAP program, in reducing MRPs among older cancer patients. The results emphasize the necessity for comprehensive medication management measures by highlighting the frequency of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate drug usage in this group. By leveraging the expertise of pharmacists and implementing patient-centred interventions such as iMAP, healthcare teams can improve medication safety, optimize therapy outcomes and enhance the quality of care for older adults with cancer. Moving forward, further research and implementation of pharmacist-led interventions are warranted to address the complex medication needs of this vulnerable patient population.

The authors are thankful to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Dean of Pharmacy, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi. We would also like to thank Medical and Hospital Staff of KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Belagavi for providing necessary support.