{
  "abstract": "Introduction: There is an increasing demand for pharmacists in Japan’s health care system, particularly in cancer chemotherapy. Task shifting/sharing has enabled clinical pharmacists to take a more active role; however, only a few hospitals have adopted this method, suggesting that institutional factors influence its implementation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the process of implementing task shifting/sharing from physicians to pharmacists and identify the factors of promoting task shifting/sharing in cancer chemotherapy in Japan. Methods: We conducted semi-structured focus group interviews with hospital pharmacists in management and nonmanagement positions, between February 2023 and May 2024. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and independently coded by two researchers. A modified grounded theory approach was used, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Results: Data saturation was reached after 10 group interviews and two additional interviews were conducted to ensure the comprehensiveness of the data. Five categories were identified: “Barriers,” “Cultural change,” “Workflow redesign,” “Improving professional knowledge and clinical skills,” and “Success of interprofessional collaborative practices.” Revisions to medical fees and government notifications facilitated task shifting/sharing; however, most hospitals encountered significant barriers. Three key factors—“Cultural change,” “Workflow redesign,” and “Improving professional knowledge and clinical skills”—were essential in overcoming challenges and promoting implementation. Conclusions: This study highlighted the process of promoting task shifting/sharing in cancer chemotherapy. Most participants perceived that this initiative improved patient outcomes and safety and reduced the workloads of health care professionals. To further promote this initiative, it is crucial to evaluate and publish evidence of its effectiveness. Moreover, sustained support from government bodies and professional organizations is vital for broader implementation.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan",
    "Division of Integrative Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan",
    "Department of Preventive Medicine, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan",
    "Bureau of Health Security and Management, Japan Institute for Health Security, Tokyo, Japan"
  ],
  "article_type": "Research Article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 9,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Keiko Ikuta"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Atsushi Yonezawa"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Hiroshi Okada"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        3
      ],
      "name": "Hanako Naganawa"
    },
    {
      "name": "Mitsuhiro Sugimoto"
    },
    {
      "name": "Yasuaki Ikemi"
    },
    {
      "name": "Mamiko Saigo"
    },
    {
      "name": "Akihiro Manaka"
    },
    {
      "name": "Tomohiro Terada"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/3cx0k7jqcckxp.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1371/journal.pone.0358247",
  "fulltext_url": null,
  "id": "3cx0k7jqcckxp",
  "issns": [
    "1932-6203"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358247",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
  "licence_source": "journal",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "3004|Pharmacy and Medical Practices"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Clinical medicine/Clinical oncology/Cancer chemotherapy"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Health care/Health care facilities"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Health care/Health care providers/Allied health care professionals"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Health care/Health care providers/Physicians"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Oncology"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Oncology/Cancer treatment"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Oncology/Cancer treatment/Cancer chemotherapy"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Oncology/Clinical oncology/Cancer chemotherapy"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Pharmaceutics/Drug therapy"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/Medicine and health sciences/Pharmaceutics/Drug therapy/Chemotherapy/Cancer chemotherapy"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/People and places/Population groupings/Professions/Medical personnel/Pharmacists"
    ],
    [
      "plos",
      "/People and places/Population groupings/Professions/Medical personnel/Physicians"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7213310511",
  "pdf_url": null,
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-15",
  "publisher": "Public Library of Science",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/3cx0k7jqcckxp.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:17:49Z",
      "native_id": "10.1371/journal.pone.0358247",
      "source": "plos",
      "url": "https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0358247"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "plos:oncology",
      "subfield": "oncology"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Factors affecting task shifting/sharing from physicians to pharmacists in cancer chemotherapy in Japan: A qualitative study",
  "title_text": "Factors affecting task shifting/sharing from physicians to pharmacists in cancer chemotherapy in Japan: A qualitative study",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:17:49Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/3cx0k7jqcckxp",
  "venue": "PLOS One",
  "versions": []
}