Oncology Pharmacy Education Network: Finding Solutions Together

In the dynamic landscape of cancer care, phar- macy leaders and oncology pharmacy operations face persistent and evolving challenges. The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) Oncology Pharmacy Education Network (OPEN) provides resources that are pharmacist driven and developed.

In 2021, ACCC has expanded the OPEN Advisory Committee, bringing together seasoned pharmacy professionals from diverse care settings across the country. As the US health care system begins its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, OPEN is infusing real-world expertise into developing practical education and information to address some of the toughest challenges facing oncology pharmacy. OPEN resources focus on such current and emerging issues in pharmacy operations as the management of oral chemotherapy, biosimilars, and payer and regulatory changes, concentrating on the successful integration of oncology pharmacy with the multidisciplinary cancer team.

With virtual sessions on timely topics such as dispensing models, step therapy, and novel agents, OPEN connects oncology pharmacy staff with thought leaders and peers through podcasts, webinars, and online learning. Browse the OPEN website at accc-cancer.org/OPEN to learn more.

As oncology recoups from the pandemic, OPEN is listening to the needs of oncology pharmacy and creating new resources to meet them. Recent additions include an expert panel on billing for chemotherapy patient management, a webinar series on the evolving role of the oncology pharmacist, and podcasts on effective practices for oral chemotherapy management. ACCC invites all oncology pharmacy professionals, and those who work with them, to connect in the OPEN.

Joseph Barone, PharmD, BCOP, is senior director, Clinical Oncology Services, Onco360 Oncology Pharmacy of Louisville, Kentucky.