Educational Intervention on Oral Anticancer Agents for Community Pharmacists: Pilot RCT

BACKGROUND AND FRAMEWORK The educational intervention will be systematically developed using Intervention Mapping framework. The intervention will be designed to addresses identified gaps in knowledge and confidence among community pharmacists in managing OAAs, while also incorporating the needs and expectations of cancer patients to ensure patient-centred care.

INTERVENTION DEVELOPMENT The intervention will be co-designed through multidisciplinary collaboration with pharmacy educators, oncology clinical pharmacists, and community pharmacists. The intervention content will be validated by the expert panel, which included oncologist, oncology clinical pharmacists, and pharmacy educators. Stakeholder input will be obtained to refine the content, structure, and delivery of the intervention. Usability of the intervention will be evaluated during the development process, and feedback will be used to iteratively refine the educational materials and delivery format prior to implementation in the pilot trial.

CURRENT STUDY This pilot feasibility study represents MRC Phase 2 (feasibility and piloting) and follows CONSORT extension guidelines for pilot and feasibility trials.

STUDY DESIGN This is a randomized pilot feasibility study employing a mixed methods approach with parallel groups (intervention n=15, control n=15). The design compares community pharmacists receiving the educational intervention with pharmacists receiving no intervention.

INTERVENTION DESCRIPTION The intervention is an online educational program for community pharmacists focusing on the management of OAAs. The intervention will be developed through a co-design process involving the principal investigator, pharmacy educator, community pharmacist, and an experienced clinical pharmacist in oncology field, ensuring both pedagogical soundness and clinical authenticity. Developed using the Intervention Mapping framework, the program addresses identified knowledge and readiness gaps related to OAA adverse effect, drug interactions, and patient counselling. The intervention will be delivered through online lectures and interactive case-based workshops. Participants will engage in discussions and clinical scenarios designed to enhance their knowledge and confidence to provide care for patients receiving OAAs.

DATA COLLECTION Data collection occurs at three timepoints: baseline (T1), immediately post-intervention (T2), and 4 weeks post-intervention (T3). Quantitative measures include knowledge, readiness, and feasibility indicators. Qualitative data include semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists and educators.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS All participants provide written informed consent after receiving comprehensive study information. Participation is voluntary with the right to withdraw at any time.

SIGNIFICANCE This pilot study will provide important information on the feasibility and acceptability of the educational intervention and inform the design and implementation of a future definitive randomized controlled trial. The findings will contribute to the evidence base on oncology education for community pharmacists and help address existing gaps in knowledge and confidence for managing OAAs in community pharmacy practice. Ultimately, this may support the provision of quality care for patients receiving OAAs in the community.