Impact of an oncology pharmacist–led, well-developed and validated chemotherapy order template on quality of life in breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBreast cancer treatment with chemotherapy often affects patients' quality of life despite therapeutic benefits. This study evaluated the impact of a standardized Chemotherapy Order Template on quality of life in breast cancer patients using the FACT-G questionnaire.MethodA prospective randomized controlled study in a tertiary care hospital included 168 breast cancer patients, randomly assigned (1:1) to routine chemotherapy documentation (control) or a well-developed and validated Chemotherapy Order Template (COT) group. Quality of life was measured using the FACT-G questionnaire at specified time points, and SPSS analysis evaluated the effect of COT implementation on patient quality-of-life outcomes.ResultsAmong 168 breast cancer patients, those managed with the Chemotherapy Order Template (COT) showed significant and progressive improvement in FACT-G quality-of-life scores, while the control group demonstrated non-significant changes. Paclitaxel-related adverse drug reactions occurred in both groups with comparable patterns. Pharmacist-led chemotherapy order templates were associated with more structured safety processes and favourable patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes.DiscussionImplementation of a pharmacist-led standardized chemotherapy order template improved quality of life, enhanced treatment safety, strengthened supportive care, and promoted consistent chemotherapy prescribing practices among breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel therapy.ConclusionPharmacist-led chemotherapy order templates were associated with enhanced safety processes and improved patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes.