Multidisciplinary views towards the clinical pharmacist: a hospital palliative cancer care team perspective in Malta

Objectives To explore the views of the multidisciplinary healthcare team towards the role of the clinical pharmacist within the palliative care unit of an oncology hospital in Malta. At present, in Malta, clinical pharmacists are not routinely involved in care provision with palliative cancer care teams and there is a need to consider their role. Methods Three 60 min audio‐recorded heterogeneous focus groups were conducted with eligible healthcare providers at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre in Mater Dei Hospital. The topic guide was based on literature and was assessed for face and content validity by an expert panel. The transcripts were analysed using the framework method whereby emerging categories and themes were devised. Key findings A total of four doctors, ten ward nurses, two Hospice community nurses, three nursing aides, one psychologist and six allied healthcare professionals consented to participate. The framework analysis resulted in four main categories namely: (1) pharmacists as the expert reference point; (2) availability of clinical pharmacists in providing clinical services on ward level; (3) attitudes towards potential clinical services provided by clinical pharmacists; and (4) clinical pharmacists as a link with the community on pharmaceutical matters. Conclusions The general view of healthcare providers on the clinical pharmacist's role in palliative cancer care was largely supportive and positive. This should encourage policy makers to introduce clinical pharmacy services within this setting.