From Protocol to Pharmacy: Ensuring Seamless Chemotherapy Order Handover

Workflow from poncologist to pharmacist

Turning Treatment Plans Into Safe, Actionable Orders

In oncology, the chemotherapy plan begins with a protocol — but its successful execution depends on much more than clinical intent. The path from protocol to the pharmacy and infusion chair involves multiple transitions: prescription, verification, dose calculation, dispensing, and administration. Each step introduces potential for error or delay if the handover isn’t crystal-clear.

Seamless chemotherapy ordering is about communication — not just between people, but between systems.

The Real-World Chemotherapy Workflow

  1. Oncologist selects a protocol based on cancer type, staging, biomarkers, and performance status.
  2. Patient-specific values like height, weight, labs, and renal function are used to calculate doses.
  3. The order is entered into a prescription system (often on paper, email, or disconnected software).
  4. Pharmacists verify the regimen, check calculations, and prepare the drugs.
  5. Nurses administer chemotherapy at the infusion center — often days later.
  6. Any errors, omissions, or confusion along this path can lead to delays, rework, or patient harm.

Where Breakdowns Happen

  • Orders are printed and physically walked to the pharmacy.
  • Doses may be handwritten or transcribed manually.
  • Clarifying questions from pharmacists delay treatment.
  • Infusion staff lack access to protocol logic or intent.
  • Lab values may be outdated or mismatched across systems.

This isn't just inefficient — it's dangerous.

Altai Oncology: Bridging the Entire Workflow

The Altai Oncology Suite is designed to close the loop between prescribing oncologists, pharmacists, and infusion nurses by creating a single, structured source of truth.

✅ Protocol-Based Orders

  • Standardized drug selection and scheduling
  • Pre-loaded supportive meds and premedications
  • Clear cycle definitions

✅ Automated Dose Calculation

  • Calculate body surface area (BSA)
  • Adjust for renal or hepatic function
  • Apply cumulative dose limits where needed

✅ Structured Order Output

  • Drugs, doses, units, schedule, and route
  • Patient identifiers and ICD-10 codes
  • Notes, lab requirements, and administration guidance

✅ Visibility Across the Team

Pharmacists and nurses can access the same protocol logic, reference information, and dose rationale — reducing back-and-forth and miscommunication.

Safer Infusion Starts With Smarter Handover

By standardizing chemotherapy prescriptions and centralizing protocol logic, Altai ensures that the right drug, in the right dose, reaches the right patient — on time and without ambiguity.

From first click to final infusion, Altai Oncology supports a seamless chemotherapy workflow that keeps patients safe and teams aligned.