Development of a collaborative monitoring system between hospitals and regional pharmacists using a cancer patient support app

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17255
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58010:Medical management and medical sociology-related
• Research Institution: Saitama Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Todo Maki 埼玉医科大学, 国際医療センター, 薬剤師 (40859922)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: がん患者 / アプリ / 病院 / 地域薬局 / 副作用

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The evaluation was conducted on breast cancer patients receiving Abemaciclib. Common side effects included diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and rash. The adherence rates, measured by pill count and medication possession ratio, had median values of 95 and 0.97, respectively. The median Relative Dose Intensity (RDI) was 52, with reasons for RDI reduction being dose reduction or treatment interruptions due to side effects. The median duration of treatment continuation was 531 days. The median input implementation rate for the app was 94%. Consultation time at the pharmacist's outpatient clinic to confirm symptoms and medication status was within 5 minutes for all cases. There was one emergency visit due to Grade 1 rash and itching. Survey results showed increased satisfaction among patients, insurance pharmacy pharmacists, and physicians, accompanied by reduced burden and anxiety.

Free Research Field

がん薬物療法

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

薬機法が改訂されがん患者の副作用のモニタリング・フォローアップと継続的な薬学的管理と患者支援が義務化されたが、病院と地域薬局間の連携は、連携手段がなかったり、限定的であったりするという課題があり、その連携システムの開発は強く望まれていた。今回アプリを用いてシステムを構築後、運用したことで、がん薬物療法の副作用は発現したが、薬剤師が早期に重篤化を回避し、治療を継続することができた。患者、主治医、薬剤師間で互いに負担を軽減し、安全かつ効果的な治療の質の向上が期待できると考えられた。