Vol. 3, Issue 2 (2017)

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment modality that utilizes light-sensitive compounds to ablate pathological tissues, showing promise in treating various neoplastic and non-malignant conditions. The efficacy of PDT is significantly enhanced through interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians.
Methods: This review synthesizes existing literature on the role of nurse-pharmacist collaboration in the preparation and administration of PDT. Key studies were analyzed to assess the impact of collaborative efforts on treatment outcomes and patient safety. The review also examines the procedural elements, and the roles of various healthcare professionals involved in PDT.
Results: Findings indicate that effective nurse-pharmacist collaboration is crucial in the pre-treatment planning of PDT, particularly in managing the safe handling and administration of photosensitizers. The involvement of nurses facilitates continuous patient monitoring and education, which significantly improves patient adherence to treatment protocols. Additionally, the establishment of mobile PDT units demonstrates the potential for expanding access to treatment while maintaining patient safety and care quality.
Conclusion: The interdisciplinary approach to PDT, particularly the collaboration between nurses and pharmacists, is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes and enhancing patient care. Future research should focus on developing structured frameworks for collaboration among healthcare professionals to further improve the efficacy of PDT and patient experiences.