종양약료 전문약사 제도에 대한 국내외 현황 조사와 비교

Abstract

Background : Due to the increasing number of patients with cancer and the complexity of anti-cancer drug therapies, it has become important for the pharmacists to develop specialized knowledge and skills to provide enhanced pharmaceutical care for these patients. The concept of certified oncology pharmacist, however, is relatively new in Korea. The objective of this study was to review the certified oncology pharmacist systems in Korea and two advanced countries (the US and Japan) and provide a comparative analysis. Methods : The information related to certified oncology pharmacist system was obtained through the official websites of related organizations in each country. For obtaining the outcomes of pharmaceutical care services provided by certified oncology pharmacists, we explored the related domestic journals and PubMed database. Results : The Korean Society of Health-system Pharmacists (KSHP) conducted the first certified oncology pharmacist examination in 2010 in Korea. To take this examination, completion of a related education course (at least a total of 360 hours) administered by the KSHP is essential. In the United States, the Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) was approved by the board of pharmacy specialty in 1996. In Japan, there are four types of the specialized pharmacist in oncology depending on the organization; Board Certified Pharmacist in Oncology Pharmacy, Japanese Society of Pharmaceutical Health Care and Sciences (JSPHCS)-certified Senior Oncology Pharmacist, JSPHCS-certified Oncology Pharmacist, and Accredited Pharmacist of Ambulatory Cancer Chemotherapy. In the US and Japan, a specialist is required to possess rigorous practical experience as well as academic training. Conclusions : This study provides a deeper understanding of some of the practical issues that need to be addressed for improving the systems of certified oncology pharmacists in Korea.