Waterloo Pharmacy alum spearheads outpatient oncology clinic for patients undergoing cancer treatment at WRHN
Patients receiving oral anticancer therapy are receiving better support thanks to a Waterloo Pharmacy alum and a team at the Waterloo Regional Health Centre (WRHN) Cancer Centre who have launched the Medication Assessment by Pharmacist (MAP) clinic.
Jackie Diebold (BScPhm '14, PharmD '21), a clinical pharmacist, was backed by interim director of pharmacy Anthony Amadio (BScPhm '11) oncology pharmacy co-ordinator Anna Granic and pharmacy manager Kathy Planinac to implement the new model to improve cancer care delivery while optimizing each clinicians’ skill set.
Today, more than half of all oncology drugs are being developed as oral treatments, and their approved uses continue to grow. These medications offer advantages over intravenous (IV) formulations, including flexible timing, convenient at-home administration and reduced invasiveness. However, they also bring challenges: missed doses can reduce effectiveness, some drugs can cause serious side effects, and certain therapies require close monitoring, adding pressure to an already overextended health care system.
Medication Assessment by Pharmacist (MAP) clinic at the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Cancer Center. Photo credit: WRHN.
“This clinic gives us an incredible opportunity to practice at our full scope,” Diebold says. “We are providing safe, comprehensive care for patients while freeing up physicians to focus on more complex cases and new referrals, which directly improves access to care. By applying our knowledge and unique skill set, we’re making a meaningful impact for patients in the region.”
Over the past nine months, the clinic has freed up space for more than 167 physician visits and saved time for nursing staff and clinic aides.