The Cancer Pharmacists Group (CPG) is comprised of pharmacists practising in a variety of settings including medical oncology, haematology, palliative care and chemotherapy preparation services in both public and private settings. Appropriately trained and competent pharmacists are responsible for accurate preparation, dispensing and clinical verification of patients’ chemotherapy, targeted therapy and supportive medication orders.1 In addition cancer pharmacists have a common interest in ensuring the provision of optimal pharmaceutical care and drug therapy to individual cancer patients. Cancer pharmacists actively participate in supportive care guideline preparation, provide expert medication information and education and many participate in research.2
The CPG is committed to promoting and further developing the role of the pharmacist in cancer services. The Group provides the only national multidisciplinary forum for pharmacists working in cancer services. One goal is to facilitate training and education and research within both pharmacy and cancer services while ensuring that pharmacists have input into key national policy documents and clinical guidelines.
Support to CPG members is provided by way of a network of pharmacists who can utilise each other's expertise to discuss and resolve issues related to cancer services. A web-based discussion forum is available for CPG members on the COSA website.
The COSA Annual Scientific Meeting provides a valuable opportunity for pharmacists working within cancer services to present research, meet each other, exchange information and discuss specific projects while keeping up-to-date on current practice and research.
The CPG members’ area also features additional resources and valuable links for members.
COSA Cancer Pharmacists Group Committee
- Jim Siderov (Chair)
- Dan Mellor (Deputy Chair)
- Maria Larizza
- Jude Lees
- Dan McKavanagh
- Ben Stevenson
Join COSA now
Contact COSA or the Chair, Jim Siderov: jim.siderov@austin.org.au for more information about this group.
References
1. Carrington C, Stone L, Koczwara B et al. The Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) guidelines for the safe prescribing, dispensing and administration of cancer chemotherapy. Asia–Pacific J Clin Oncol 2010; 6: 220–37
2. The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Committee of Specialty Practice in Oncology. Standards of Practice for the Provision of Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Services. J Pharm Pract Res 2002; 32: 115-8
Only registered pharmacists who are members of COSA are eligible for membership of the CPG. COSA membership comes with a range of member benefits.
To become a member of this group select the Cancer Pharmacists membership box on the COSA joining form. Current members can join this group by selecting the Cancer Pharmacists membership box in update profile in the members’ area.
Education
The CPG run a Clinical Skills for Cancer Pharmacy Practitioners educational seminar each year. The course is designed to assist pharmacists in developing their clinical skills in cancer pharmacy practice. The two-day course combines informative lectures with interactive workshops to assist practitioners in developing their skills and abilities in the many processes involved in providing cancer treatment to patients. The course is aimed at pharmacists who are already working in the area of cancer but have less than two years experience.
Clinical Skills for Cancer Pharmacy Practitioners, 19-20 February 2011 (pdf, 48kb)
