Reducing waiting time of injectable anticancer drug preparations in day care oncology units: A summary of evidence, implemented strategies, and perspectives for hospital pharmacists

Objective With the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide, injectable anticancer agents are being increasingly prescribed for outpatients in day care oncology units. These drugs are prepared in hospital pharmacy cytotoxic units. This paper explores delay factors and pharmacist-led solutions to reduce patients’ waiting time for antitumor treatment infusion in day care cancer hospitals. Data Sources A literature review was carried out using PubMed and other sources, including conference abstracts and relevant publications. The main search terms included “chemotherapy,” “waiting time,” “oncology,” “outpatient,” “pharmacy,” “pharmacist,” and “satisfaction,” combined with AND/OR operators. Available data were analyzed and complemented by our pharmaceutical and clinical expertise. Data Summary Based on published works, we examined the negative impacts of delays on patients’ well-being, the role of hospital pharmacists in decreasing these delays and provided our perspective. Discussion Cancer patients already face multiple emotional and physical challenges. Long waiting time can further heighten patients’ anxiety and stress. Delays in the delivery of anticancer infusions can be caused by various factors, including logistical problems, drug supply delays, and administrative issues. To minimize these delays, several initiatives can be implemented, such as efficient treatment planning, early prescription and preparation in advance, robotization to enhance productivity, proactive lean management, and improved communication between care teams. Conclusions It is important for hospital pharmacists to define a dispensing time for injectable anticancer treatments and monitor it as a quality indicator. Collaboration between pharmacists and physicians to establish this critical threshold will help optimize care and improve the patient's experience.