Abstract

IMPACT OF PATIENT COUNSELING BY CLINICAL PHARMACIST ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN CANCER PATIENTS

V. S. L. Deepthi, K. J. V. Haneesh and *K. P. R. Chowdary

ABSTRACT

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality among the world population. It is a distressing situation for everyone those who have known to be diagnosed with cancer. Main aim of the cancer treatment is to reduce the symptoms, enhance their survival and quality of life (Qol). “Quality of life” is an important health outcome indicator most relevant incase of cancer patient. As per WHO, “Quality of life is defined as individuals perception of their position in life in the context of culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns”. Patient counseling is one of the most powerful predictors of patient compliance and inspires the patient to see pharmacist as a truly interested healthcare professionals. Patient education and medication counseling are an integral part of health process that will improve quality of life and patient outcome. Patient counseling mainly aims to enhance patient understanding about their illness and treatment focusing on medications and its use. In order to attain full potential, the patients need to follow some changes in their lifestyle, nutritional aspects and in physical activities especially incase of cancer patients. Management of cancer counseling by clinical pharmacist and its impact on the quality of life of cancer patients are discussed in this presentation.

Keywords: Patient Counseling, Clinical Pharmacist, Quality of Life, Cancer patients.