Job Description

Position Title: Clinical Pharmacist for Butaro Cancer Center Of excellence

Reports to:

PIH: Oncology program Director

BL2TH: Director of clinical services

Summary of role & responsibilities

The Clinical Pharmacist at the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence shall be integral part of the oncology care team and play role in the delivery of care for cancer patients. S/he will be involved with the care of patients principally in the provision of oncology comprehensive medication management. S/he will be responsible for and ensure safe medication practices are delivered. S/he will be responsible for leading the quality of chemotherapy administration, preparing chemotherapy order sets, mixing chemotherapy, and training general nurses on chemotherapy administration, mixing, safety, and quality assurance. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of cancer care to patients.

Key Responsibilities:

Comprehensive medication management functions:

• Assess and develop selection of evidence-based and therapeutically appropriate chemotherapies based on diagnosis, organ functions and disease staging.
• Develop and implement evidence based chemotherapy order set to standardize therapy approaches to ensure safety, efficacy and completeness of chemotherapy treatment protocols.
• Assess, select and initiate primary and secondary supportive care elements for inclusion in chemotherapy order sets based on cancer drugs protocol risk.
• Assess, monitor and manage chemotherapy adverse drug reactions or toxicities including but not limited to hypersensitivity reactions, refractory nausea or vomiting, therapy induced cytopenias (including neutropenia and anemia), infection, dermatologic reactions and drug interactions.
• Facilitate timely and judicious procurement of chemotherapy and other cancer products.
• Monitor and assist with necessary therapy changes during times of critical drug or supply shortages.

Chemotherapy Administration and Preparation:

• Ensure safety in the compounding and dispensing of chemotherapy, maintaining an adequate supply of medications, minimizing waste and unnecessary exposure to hazardous drugs.
• Develop and maintain standardized chemotherapy order sets to ensure appropriate dosing, administration, and monitoring.
• Prepare and compound chemotherapy medications in a safe and sterile environment, adhering to all relevant regulations and standards.
• Implement appropriate quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of chemotherapy preparations.

Provider and Patient Education:

• Provide comprehensive training to general nursing staff on the proper administration, mixing, and handling of chemotherapy medications.
• Educate nurses on chemotherapy safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, spill management, and adverse event reporting.
• Develop educational materials and programs for providers detailing the medications used to treat cancer and its complications, potential drug interactions, adverse effects and effective symptom management.
• Develop educational materials for patients and caregivers in a format that makes it easy to monitor and report treatment concern, to understand proper handling and disposal of chemotherapy in their home, and how to limit chemotherapy exposure to family members.
• Develop tools and programs to improve medication adherence and effectiveness – including but not limited to patient education, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, etc.
• Serve as a resource and subject matter expert providing direct patient care, patient education, actively participating in clinical decision-making and providing guidance and support on chemotherapy-related issues for nursing staff.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:

• Establish and maintain a robust system for monitoring the quality of chemotherapy administration, including the identification and resolution of any issues or errors.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary cancer care team to identify opportunities for process improvements and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and protocols related to safety of staff and patients during the receipt, preparation, administration, and monitoring of chemotherapy.

Clinical Pharmacy Services:

• Provide medication management services, including medication reviews, dosage adjustments, and therapeutic drug monitoring, to optimize patient outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines and pathways for cancer care.
• Engage in multidisciplinary patient care rounds, providing input on medication-related issues and collaborating with the team to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
• Work collaboratively with other health care professionals to develop institutional guidelines and make evidence-based decisions designed to improve care.

Continuing Education and Professional Development:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in oncology pharmacy practice, including new medications, treatment protocols, and best practices.
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and training programs, to enhance your knowledge and skills.
• Contribute to cancer research by participating or leading clinical studies, reporting important observations from practice, and supporting pharmacovigilance or investigational drugs service programs.
• Share your expertise and knowledge with the broader healthcare community through presentations, publications, or other educational initiatives.

Qualifications/ Skills/Abilities/ Experience:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent degree in pharmacy.
• Specialized training or certification in oncology pharmacy practice
• Valid Professional/Working license
• Clinical pharmacy experience (3 years minimum) in a hospital setting preferred, with a focus on oncology or hematology
• Strong knowledge and expertise in advanced pharmacy practice, chemotherapy agents management, administration techniques, and safety protocols
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
• Proficiency in the use of electronic medical record systems and medication management software
• Commitment to continuous learning and quality improvement
• Willingness to work and live in remote rural settings
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with safeguarding/PSEA and an understanding of the international context in which this issue can affect the organization.
• Uphold and live principles of equity in health care and committed to living PIH/IMB values: Ubumuntu-Compassion, Ubupfura-Integrity, Ubunyangamugayo-Honesty, Ubwubahane-Mutual respect, Ubumwe-Ubufatanye, Agaciro-Dignity, Kugira ishyaka-Determination
• At Partners In Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.