Pharmacist Liaison, Infusion Operation

The Pharmacist Operation Liaison serves as a central coordinator, ensuring that medications are delivered accurately, efficiently, and on time while optimizing the overall patient experience. This role bridges communication between patients, nursing, provider, and the pharmacy team. This position also addresses medication-related questions, assists in facilitating staffing changes to optimize pharmacy operations, and addressing patient concerns.

This role ensures that medications move efficiently from order to delivery on the floors by tracking the overall due time in the cleanroom. By anticipating and resolving potential issues, the Pharmacy Liaison reduce the escalation of medication related concerns.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate Infusion Efficiency
   • Apply operational knowledge, critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem solving in an integrated environment.
   • Recognizes and responds to infusion related staffing issues appropriately and serves as backup coverage as needed.
   • Effectively respond to coverage needs to meet staff assignments, workload and business needs.
   • Act as a third code responder for additional support when needed.
2. Facilitate Communication:
   • Serve as the primary point of contact for nurses, pharmacist and providers regarding medication delivery questions and concerns.
   • Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to clarify medication orders, and address discrepancies with the cleanroom.
   • Ensure continuity of care by bridging communication between infusion pharmacists, cleanroom pharmacists, research, OPD, and specialists across our pharmacy department as needed.
3. Coordinate Medication Deliveries:
   • Provide support as it relates to delivery status to pharmacists, nurses and providers.
   • Conduct regular communication, check-ins with floor nursing staff, monitor daily volumes and assess anticipated demand.
   • Collaborate with material management to ensure timely procurement and delivery of medications.
   • Monitor and track medication due time and overall pace in the cleanroom.
   • Triage delivery delays, discrepancies, or other logistical issues with infusion managers.
4. Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams:
   • Partner with the care team to flag patients for research and PK study on Y6. 
   • Communicate updates on medication delivery status to the care team and escalate issues as needed.
   • Participate and coordinate with OPD and research to ensure access to outpatient medication when patient complete infusion.
5. Quality, Safety and Process Improvement
   • Collaborate with infusion pharmacy staff and medication safety team to implement new medications, procedures and workflow changes.
   • Participate in the development and implementation of pharmacy policies, procedures, and SOPs in coordination with the regulatory or safety team.
   • Identify opportunities for workflow optimization and assist manager with potential solutions to pharmacy leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage professionally with a diverse range of individuals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with nursing, providers, and patients
• Competent in chemotherapy order evaluation and verification, demonstrating thorough understanding and adherence to safety protocols and best practices in oncology pharmacy.
• Proficient in relevant technology (Epic Beacon) and office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint), 
• Knowledge of regulatory standards including those set by the Joint Commission, USP 797, USP 800, Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy, and Department of Public Health.
• Skilled in prioritizing and organizing work, even under stress and tight deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to challenges and the discernment to escalate issues when necessary.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative spirit, supporting colleagues to achieve organizational objectives.
• Adaptable to shifting priorities and responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail in all administrative tasks to ensure accuracy and precision.
• Discretion in handling sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and adapt to a dynamic healthcare environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.

Minimum Job Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college of Pharmacy required. 5 years of hospital pharmacy with at least 3 years of experience in oncology (inpatient or ambulatory infusion) is required; or completion of a PGY1 hospital pharmacy practice residency plus at least 2 years in oncology practice; or completion of a PGY2 pharmacy residency plus at least 1 year in oncology practice.

License/Certification/Registration Required:

Must be licensed to practice pharmacy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Patient Contact:

Yes

Special Working Conditions:

This role requires 100% on-site presence, with some staffing responsibilities. Routine, direct exposure to chemotherapeutic agents, biologic agents, investigational agents, gene therapy, potentially dangerous and flammable chemicals. Potential for sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items. Potential for exposure to infectious patients and/or materials. Rotating shifts required.