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BCCA Education Program for Oncology Pharmacists

May 16, 2012

The BCCA Education Program for Oncology Pharmacists (“Pharmacist Education Program”) is a continuing professional development program for pharmacists practicing in Oncology. Recognizing that Oncology is a subspecialty, this program will facilitate pharmacists to transition into clinical oncology practitioners using a structured education framework. This program is currently being developed by BCCA Pharmacy. Please contact Lynne Ferrier with questions or comments about the program.

Program Goals:

  1. To assist pharmacists in providing safe and effective care to cancer patients.
  2. To provide educational opportunities for pharmacists to develop and enhance their knowledge regarding oncology practice.
  3. To assist pharmacists in applying knowledge to their clinical practice.
  4. To enable pharmacists to seek appropriate information resources and references to support their clinical practice.
  5. To deliver an education program that is readily accessible to pharmacists who care for cancer patients in British Columbia..

Program Format:

The Education Program is primarily self-directed. The suggested framework will identify the core knowledge required to clinically review and assess chemotherapy orders, and to safely handle and dispense hazardous drugs. The balance of the program is designed to allow pharmacists to develop oncology-related knowledge based on their personal learning needs and the needs of their practice. At the CON centres, CON Pharmacy Educators will provide support to pharmacists participating in the program.

Level 1:

Chemotherapy Process

8 modules

Oncology Basics 1 module
Pharmacology 2 modules
Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy and Management 4 modules
Laboratory Monitoring 2 modules
Cancer Management     4 modules
Oncologic Emergencies 1 module
Complementary and alternative Medicine (CAM) 1 module
Other 3 modules

Level 2:

Chemotherapy Process 1 module
Oncology Basics 2 modules
Pharmacology 2 modules
Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy and Management 1 module
Laboratory Monitoring 2 modules
Diagnostic Tests 1 module
Cancer Management 13 modules
Oncologic Emergencies 1 module
Other 1 module