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Jarab AS, Al-Qerem W, Alzoubi KH, Tharf M, Abu Heshmeh S, Al-Azayzih A, Mukattash TL, Akour A, Al Hamarneh YN. Patterns of drug-related problems and the services provided to optimize drug therapy in the community pharmacy setting. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101746. [PMID: 37649677 PMCID: PMC10462881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Drug-related problems (DRPs) are events or circumstances involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes. Objectives To assess community pharmacists' knowledge and practice regarding DRP-reduction services, as well as the barriers and factors associated with decreased provision of these services. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized a validated questionnaire to assess pharmacists' knowledge, practice, and barriers to the provision of DRP-reduction services in the community pharmacy setting. Binary regression model was used to assess the variables associated with the practice of DRP-reduction services. Results A total of 412 pharmacists participated in the study. The pharmacists demonstrated strong knowledge but inadequate practice of DRP-reduction services. The most reported DRPs were inappropriate combination of drugs, or drugs and herbal medications, or drugs and dietary supplements (52.4%), patients' inability to understand instructions properly (46.1%), inappropriate drug according to guidelines (43.7%), and too high dose (40.3%). The most common barriers to these services were increased workload (60.5%), limited time (53.2%), and lack of good communication skills (49.8%). The presence of a counselling area in the pharmacy increased the practice of DRP-reduction services (OR: 3.532, 95%Cl: 2.010-5.590, P < 0.001), while increased weekly working hours (OR: 0.966, 95%Cl: 0.947-0.986), P < 0.01) and serving < 10 patients daily (OR = 0.208, 95%Cl: 0.072-0.601, P < 0.01) decreased it. Conclusions Community pharmacists' practice of DRP-reduction services showed a scope for improvement. Future pharmaceutical care initiatives should increase the number of personnel working in the pharmacy and provide them with opportunities for continued education and training in order to improve the provision of DRP services and optimize patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anan S. Jarab
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Walid Al-Qerem
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Tharf
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shrouq Abu Heshmeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Tareq L. Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yazid N Al Hamarneh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Ogunleye OO, Godman B, Fadare JO, Mudenda S, Adeoti AO, Yinka-Ogunleye AF, Ogundele SO, Oyawole MR, Schönfeldt M, Rashed WM, Galal AM, Masuka N, Zaranyika T, Kalungia AC, Malande OO, Kibuule D, Massele A, Chikowe I, Khuluza F, Taruvinga T, Alfadl A, Malik E, Oluka M, Opanga S, Ankrah DNA, Sefah IA, Afriyie D, Tagoe ET, Amu AA, Msibi MP, Etando A, Alabi ME, Okwen P, Niba LL, Mwita JC, Rwegerera GM, Kgatlwane J, Jairoun AA, Ejekam C, Mavenyengwa RT, Murimi-Worstell I, Campbell SM, Meyer JC. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic across Africa: Current Status of Vaccinations and Implications for the Future. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091553. [PMID: 36146631 PMCID: PMC9504201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of effective vaccines in December 2020 marked a significant step forward in the global response to COVID-19. Given concerns with access, acceptability, and hesitancy across Africa, there is a need to describe the current status of vaccine uptake in the continent. An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate these aspects, current challenges, and lessons learnt across Africa to provide future direction. Senior personnel across 14 African countries completed a self-administered questionnaire, with a descriptive analysis of the data. Vaccine roll-out commenced in March 2021 in most countries. COVID-19 vaccination coverage varied from low in Cameroon and Tanzania and up to 39.85% full coverage in Botswana at the end of 2021; that is, all doses advocated by initial protocols versus the total population, with rates increasing to 58.4% in Botswana by the end of June 2022. The greatest increase in people being fully vaccinated was observed in Uganda (20.4% increase), Botswana (18.5% increase), and Zambia (17.9% increase). Most vaccines were obtained through WHO-COVAX agreements. Initially, vaccination was prioritised for healthcare workers (HCWs), the elderly, adults with co-morbidities, and other at-risk groups, with countries now commencing vaccination among children and administering booster doses. Challenges included irregular supply and considerable hesitancy arising from misinformation fuelled by social media activities. Overall, there was fair to reasonable access to vaccination across countries, enhanced by government initiatives. Vaccine hesitancy must be addressed with context-specific interventions, including proactive programmes among HCWs, medical journalists, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka O. Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Correspondence:
| | - Joseph O. Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti 362103, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti 360211, Nigeria
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 32379, Zambia
| | - Adekunle O. Adeoti
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti 360211, Nigeria
| | | | - Sunday O. Ogundele
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Modupe R. Oyawole
- Department of Pharmacy, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 100271, Nigeria
| | - Marione Schönfeldt
- Child, Youth and School Health Directorate, National Department of Health, Pretoria 0083, South Africa
| | - Wafaa M. Rashed
- Children’s Cancer Hospital, Egypt-57357 (CCHE-57357), Cairo 11441, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Galal
- Biomedical Research Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo 11774, Egypt
| | - Nyasha Masuka
- CIMAS, Cimas House, Borrowdale Office Park, Borrowdale Road, Harare P.O. Box 1243, Zimbabwe
| | - Trust Zaranyika
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
| | - Aubrey C. Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka P.O. Box 50110, Zambia
| | - Oliver O. Malande
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Egerton University, Nakuru P.O.Box 536, Kenya
- East Africa Centre for Vaccines and Immunization (ECAVI), Namela House, Naguru, Kampala P.O. Box 3040, Uganda
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Busitema University, Mbale P.O. Box 236, Uganda
| | - Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hurbert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania
| | - Ibrahim Chikowe
- Pharmacy Department, Formerly College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre P.O. Box 278, Malawi
| | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, Formerly College of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Blantyre P.O. Box 278, Malawi
| | - Tinotenda Taruvinga
- Department of Global Health and Development (GHD), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London WC1E 7TH, UK
| | - Abubakr Alfadl
- National Medicines and Poisons Board, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum P.O. Box 303, Sudan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elfatih Malik
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Margaret Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Kenya
| | - Sylvia Opanga
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 19676-00202, Kenya
| | - Daniel N. A. Ankrah
- Department of Pharmacy, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box 77, Ghana
| | - Israel A. Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Daniel Afriyie
- Pharmacy Department, Ghana Police Hospital, Accra P.O. Box CT104, Ghana
| | - Eunice T. Tagoe
- Department of Management Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0QU, UK
| | - Adefolarin A. Amu
- Pharmacy Department, Eswatini Medical Christian University, P.O. Box A624, Swazi Plaza, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Mlungisi P. Msibi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Swazi Plaza P.O. Box A624, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Ayukafangha Etando
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Swazi Plaza P.O. Box A624, Mbabane H100, Eswatini
| | - Mobolaji E. Alabi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-natal (UKZN), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Patrick Okwen
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Ndamukong Street, Bamenda 5175, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide University, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Loveline Lum Niba
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Ndamukong Street, Bamenda 5175, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health, University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
| | - Julius C. Mwita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Godfrey M. Rwegerera
- Department of Medicine, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Joyce Kgatlwane
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Botswana, Gaborone P.O. Box 70480, Botswana
| | - Ammar A. Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai P.O. Box 67, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Chioma Ejekam
- Department of Community Health, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos PMB 21266, Nigeria
| | - Rooyen T. Mavenyengwa
- Medical Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe
| | - Irene Murimi-Worstell
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen M. Campbell
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 02084, South Africa
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Basheti IA, Mhaidat NM, Al-Azzam S, Alqudah R, Nassar R, Alzubaidi H, Abu-Samak MS, Abu-Gharbieh E. Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists' readiness during coronavirus pandemic: the case of United Arab Emirates. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:102. [PMID: 34857056 PMCID: PMC8637029 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00382-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the outbreak of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), pharmacists play an important role in supporting local health during this emergency. AIM To assess the knowledge and to identify information sources regarding COVID-19 used by pharmacists, to investigate the active and public perceived roles of pharmacists, to explore the role of the pharmacy facilities and health authorities, and to identify barriers that would hinder pharmacists from performing their duties optimally in the United Arab Emirates. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in the UAE during the COVID-19 outbreak, from 18 May to 20 June 2020. A validated online questionnaire addressing participants' current knowledge about pandemics and COVID-19, source of information, and their perspectives of their role was used. Participants were licensed pharmacists practising in community and hospital pharmacies in UAE, academics, and pharmacy students. RESULTS Almost two-thirds of the participants (71.2%) were aged 18-30 years, with 76.2% females. Only 57.5% of participants believed that they got enough education about pandemics, and 88.3% of them followed on the latest coronavirus updates regarding treatments, and that is mainly from the World Health Organization reports (53.9%), followed by health authorities (44.8%). Two-thirds of participants (69.7%) had good/very good current knowledge regarding COVID-19. Knowledge of pharmacy students compared to pharmacists was significantly higher (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The majority of pharmacists and pharmacy students reported that they have a major role in managing pandemics executed through the community pharmacies and that it is their role to ensure the availability of key medications. Policymakers and health authorities are called upon to train pharmacists in advance of emerging situations, supporting and helping them to optimally fulfill their role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman A. Basheti
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nizar M. Mhaidat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rajaa Alqudah
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Razan Nassar
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hamzah Alzubaidi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmoud S. Abu-Samak
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, 27272 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Gagan R, Hirak D. Healthcare Optimization, Medication Management and Preparedness in Retail Pharmacy Industry during the Covid-19 Pandemic in India. CARDIOMETRY 2021. [DOI: 10.18137/cardiometry.2021.19.6877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BODY: Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a health crisis,which has almost impacted every industry, causing steep inroadsinto the global economy, and the pharmaceutical industryis no exception. Retail pharmacists are the most approachableand immediate healthcare aid to the general public. Pharmacistscan implement guidance and best practices in responseto the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patientand staff safety and the approaches pharmacy teams acrossthe country. Social distancing and lockdown measures taken bythe Indian government have been greatly affected by the retailpharmacy industry, leading to disruption in the supply chainof medicines and other precautionary equipment. Medicationmanagement, necessary safety equipment, and preparednessfor handling drug shortages are the focus points for the retailpharmacy industry in these times of the pandemic. As the retailpharmacy comes under essential services and is operatingcontinuously during the lockdown period, there is a need tohighlight and gauge the preparedness and preventive measuresundertaken by pharmacists in India during this medicalemergency.AIM: This research aims to analyze the retail pharmacy administrationin India towards essential medication, to check adherenceto key preventative measures and activities performed ininpatient counseling for self-management and safe dispensingof medicines in COVID-19 & lockdown period and the barriersfaced/concerns towards these measures.METHODOLOGY: This study is based on methods of quantitativeanalysis from retail pharmacies in India. The survey questionnairewas drafted on Google forms and sent to various retailpharmacy outlets. The data pertains to various medications’storage and consumption pattern, concerns over day-to-dayactivities in the pharmacy, and preventive measures implementedby pharmacists towards COVID-19 preparedness.RESULT: 167 pharmacists addressed the questionnaire acrossvarious regions of the country by different types of pharmacy:community pharmacy (66.5%), retail pharmacy section in a private(14.4%) and public hospital (11.4%), and clinical pharmacy(7.8%). The statements developed for the study are closely related,and a good Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.881 was achieved.One-way ANOVA testing determined that out of 12 statementson the preparedness of pharmacy, nine statements showed asignificant difference concerning the types of pharmacy implementingthe preventive measures.
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Carpenter DM, Hastings T, Westrick S, Rosenthal M, Mashburn P, Kiser S, Shepherd JG, Curran G. Rural community pharmacies' preparedness for and responses to COVID-19. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1327-1331. [PMID: 34155979 PMCID: PMC7577225 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have documented rural community pharmacy disaster preparedness. OBJECTIVES To: (1) describe rural community pharmacies' preparedness for and responses to COVID-19 and (2) examine whether responses vary by level of pharmacy rurality. METHODS A convenience sample of rural community pharmacists completed an online survey (62% response rate) that assessed: (a) demographic characteristics; (b) COVID-19 information source use; (c) interest in COVID-19 testing; (d) infection control procedures; (e) disaster preparedness training, and (f) medication supply impacts. Descriptive statistics were calculated and differences by pharmacy rurality were explored. RESULTS Pharmacists used the CDC (87%), state health departments (77%), and state pharmacy associations (71%) for COVID-19 information, with half receiving conflicting information. Most pharmacists (78%) were interested in offering COVID-19 testing but needed personal protective equipment and training to do so. Only 10% had received disaster preparedness training in the past five years. Although 73% had disaster preparedness plans, 27% were deemed inadequate for the pandemic. Nearly 70% experienced negative impacts in medication supply. There were few differences by rurality level. CONCLUSION Rural pharmacies may be better positioned to respond to pandemics if they had disaster preparedness training, updated disaster preparedness plans, and received regular policy guidance from professional bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delesha M Carpenter
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Tessa Hastings
- College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Salisa Westrick
- Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Patricia Mashburn
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Kiser
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - J Greene Shepherd
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Geoffrey Curran
- Departments of Pharmacy Practice and Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, AR, USA
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Akour A, Elayeh E, Tubeileh R, Hammad A, Ya’Acoub R, Al-Tammemi AB. Role of community pharmacists in medication management during COVID-19 lockdown. Pathog Glob Health 2021; 115:168-177. [PMID: 33573528 PMCID: PMC8079017 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.1884806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventive and control measures implemented by many countries to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 may negatively impact medication and chronic disease management, which can interfere with achieving patients' therapeutic goals. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on these aspects, while exploring the role of community pharmacists. A cross-sectional study was conducted via a web-based questionnaire that targeted individuals who suffer from chronic diseases in Jordan. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling and were asked to self-report their ability to access medication, and the perceived role of community pharmacists. Among the 431 participants, the mean age ± SD (years) was 53.8 ± 13.7 and 60.1% (n= 259) were females. Participants mainly reported difficulties in accessing medication (n=198, 45.9%), reduced supplies or unavailability of medications (n=213, 49.4%), nonadherence to medications due to lack of access (n=98, 22.7%) and high costs (n=85, 19.7%). Participants avoided follow-ups due to a fear of infection (n=367, 82.5%) or prolonged waiting time in clinics (n=322, 74.7%). An increased reliance on the community pharmacy for medical advice was reported by 39.9% (n=172) of the participants, with half of them (n=217, 50.3%) depending on the pharmacists for advice regarding over-the-counter medications and COVID-19-related information (n=119, 27.6%). There is an urgent need to involve community pharmacists in medication and chronic disease management with a focus on patient adherence to ensure the optimal management of such vulnerable patient groups. Future studies to assess the effect of pharmacists' contributions towards enhancing medication/disease management are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Akour
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman Elayeh
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Razan Tubeileh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Alaa Hammad
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rawan Ya’Acoub
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ala’a B. Al-Tammemi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Al Mazrouei N, Ibrahim RM, Al Meslamani AZ, Abdel-Qader DH, Sadeq AS, Mohamed Ibrahim O. The evolving role of community pharmacists during COVID-19 in the UAE; assessing preparedness and knowledge. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2021; 29:137-144. [PMID: 33729523 PMCID: PMC7799105 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate community pharmacists' knowledge about COVID-19 and their preparedness for the pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional online survey was conducted (in community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates) over 3 weeks (24 May 2020 to 14 June 2020). A proportionate random sample of 491 participants was invited to take part. The SPSS version 26 was used for data management and analysis. KEY FINDINGS The majority of participants (n = 400) had good knowledge about COVID-19 and high level of preparedness for the pandemic control. Most pharmacists agreed (212, 53.0%) or strongly agreed (91, 22.8%) that they have a major role in the management of the ongoing crisis. Most participants had good awareness about the most common methods of COVID-19 transmission (359, 89.7%) and symptoms encountered (368, 92.0%). However, approximately a quarter of participants (103, 25.7%) incorrectly thought COVID-19 was caused by a DNA virus. Participants who had 5-10 and >10 years of experience were 3.95 (P = 0.03) and 1.59 (P = 0.01) times, respectively, were more likely to have good knowledge compared to participants with less than 2 years of experience. Those with good knowledge were more likely to have a specific area for customers with suspected COVID-19 symptoms compared to those with poor knowledge (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION This study indicates that years of experience and good knowledge on COVID-19 were significant determinants of pharmacists' preparedness for the pandemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Al Mazrouei
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Rana M Ibrahim
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | | | - Adel Shaban Sadeq
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Osama Mohamed Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Pharmacist's Role and Pharmaceutical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1318:605-622. [PMID: 33973201 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63761-3_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacists play a vital role in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this chapter, we present the most significant contributions that pharmacists could make to communitarian and hospital settings. It includes the provision of essential services, such as continuous access to medication and supplies, support to medical services, education and information to the population and the health team to reduce the misuse of medications, patient monitoring and follow-up, and the detection and referral of suspected cases of COVID-19. The chapter ends with a discussion over certain elements related to innovation needs, such as telepharmacy services.
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Merks P, Jakubowska M, Drelich E, Świeczkowski D, Bogusz J, Bilmin K, Sola KF, May A, Majchrowska A, Koziol M, Pawlikowski J, Jaguszewski M, Vaillancourt R. The legal extension of the role of pharmacists in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1807-1812. [PMID: 32546449 PMCID: PMC7289723 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 epidemic has affected every area of life. The greatest challenge has been to adapt the functioning of the health service to prevent the spread of the epidemic and to help infected patients. This has required the involvement of not only doctors and nurses, but also pharmacists. In the face of this pandemic, governments in many countries have granted pharmacists greater authority. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this paper is to review the legal extension of the role of pharmacists in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The review considers recent changes in European countries, Canada, and the United States. METHODS A literature review was performed to summarise knowledge about the extension of the role of pharmacists during the pandemic period. Key articles were retrieved mainly from PubMed and Google Scholar, using the terms "COVID-19", "2019-nCoV", "coronavirus", and "pandemic" in combination with "pharmacist" as keywords for our search. We included scientific publications from February 1, 2019 to May 15, 2020. RESULTS Pharmacists have been given numerous opportunities so that they can actively join in the fight against the virus. Some of the novel legal extensions aimed at aiding overloaded healthcare systems are as follows: authorisation to prepare hand and surface disinfectants, eligibility to renew chronic treatment prescriptions, as well as filling pro auctore and pro familia prescriptions by pharmacists, performing COVID-19, influenza, and Group A Streptococcus screening tests, and vaccine administration. Moreover, many countries have facilitated Internet services, such as virtual medical consultations, e-prescriptions, and home drug delivery - to promote social distancing among patients. To mitigate drug shortages, the following strategies have been implemented: alternative sourcing, strength, generic, or therapeutic substitution, and preparing compounded formulations at the pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS Novel legal extensions have allowed exploitation of the full potential ofpharmacists worldwide, aiding the limited resources of overloaded healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Merks
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland; Trade Union of Pharmacy Workers, Meriana C. Coopera 6B/10, 01-315, Warsaw, Poland; Polish Pharmaceutical Group, Zbąszyńska 3, 91-342, Łódź, Poland; Employed Pharmacist in Europe (EPhEU) C/o Verband Angestellter Apotheker Österreichs (VAAÖ) Berufliche Interessenvertretung, Spitalgasse 31/4, 1090, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, CollegiumMedicum in Bydgoszcz, A. Jurasza 2, 85-089 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Marta Jakubowska
- Trade Union of Pharmacy Workers, Meriana C. Coopera 6B/10, 01-315, Warsaw, Poland; Polish Pharmaceutical Group, Zbąszyńska 3, 91-342, Łódź, Poland
| | - Ewelina Drelich
- Trade Union of Pharmacy Workers, Meriana C. Coopera 6B/10, 01-315, Warsaw, Poland; Polish Pharmaceutical Group, Zbąszyńska 3, 91-342, Łódź, Poland
| | - Damian Świeczkowski
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-952, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Joanna Bogusz
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, National Institute of Hygiene, Chocimska 24, 00-791, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bilmin
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarina Fehir Sola
- Pharmacy of Bjelovar, Petra Preradovića 4, Bjelovar, Croatia; Employed Pharmacist in Europe (EPhEU) C/o Verband Angestellter Apotheker Österreichs (VAAÖ) Berufliche Interessenvertretung, Spitalgasse 31/4, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas May
- Employed Pharmacist in Europe (EPhEU) C/o Verband Angestellter Apotheker Österreichs (VAAÖ) Berufliche Interessenvertretung, Spitalgasse 31/4, 1090, Vienna, Austria; ADEXA Die Apothekengewerkschaft, ADEXA, Hudtwalckerstraße 10, 22299, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anita Majchrowska
- Department of Medical Sociology, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mark Koziol
- Employed Pharmacist in Europe (EPhEU) C/o Verband Angestellter Apotheker Österreichs (VAAÖ) Berufliche Interessenvertretung, Spitalgasse 31/4, 1090, Vienna, Austria; Pharmacy Defence Association, 69 Albion St, B1 3EA, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jakub Pawlikowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Medical Sociology, Medical University of Lublin, Aleje Racławickie 1, 20-059, Lublin, Poland
| | - Miłosz Jaguszewski
- Polish Pharmaceutical Group, Zbąszyńska 3, 91-342, Łódź, Poland; First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80-952, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Regis Vaillancourt
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Centre Hospitalier pour Enfants de L'est de L'Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
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Role of pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1799-1806. [PMID: 33317760 PMCID: PMC7334137 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the start of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in December 2019, pharmacists worldwide are playing a key role adopting innovative strategies to minimize the adverse impact of the pandemic. OBJECTIVES To identify and describe core services provided by the pharmacist during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS for studies published between December 1st, 2019 and May 20th, 2020 without language restriction. Studies that reported services provided by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Two independent authors performed study selection and data extraction with a consensus process. The pharmacist's intervention identified in the included studies were described based on key domains in the DEPICT v.2. RESULTS A total of 1189 records were identified, of which 11 studies fully met the eligibility criteria. Most of them were conducted in the United States of America (n = 4) and China (n = 4). The most common type of publication were letters (n = 4) describing the workplace of the pharmacist in hospitals (n = 8). These findings showed the different roles of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as disease prevention and infection control, adequate storage and drug supply, patient care and support for healthcare professionals. Pharmacists' interventions were mostly conducted for healthcare professionals and patients (n = 7), through one-to-one contact (n = 11), telephone (n = 6) or video conference (n = 5). The pharmacists' main responsibility was to provide drug information for healthcare professionals (n = 7) as well as patient counseling (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS A reasonable number of studies that described the role of the pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic were found. All studies reported actions taken by pharmacists, although without providing a satisfactory description. Thus, future research with more detailed description as well as an evaluation of the impact of pharmacist intervention is needed in order to guide future actions in this and/or other pandemic.
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11
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Nigro F, Tavares M, Sato de Souza de Bustamante Monteiro M, Toma HK, Faria de Freitas ZM, de Abreu Garófalo D, Geraldes Bordalo MontáAlverne MA, Barros Dos Passos MM, Pereira Dos Santos E, Ricci-Júnior E. Changes in workflow to a University Pharmacy to facilitate compounding and distribution of antiseptics for use against COVID-19. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1997-2001. [PMID: 33023831 PMCID: PMC7527879 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
This article is a report from an experience about a work developed by Farmácia Universitária at UFRJ (FU-UFRJ) during the nCov-19 pandemic period. The aim of this work was to describe its contribution in the production of antiseptic supplies used to prevent contagion by the new coronavirus. The work routine at the pharmacy has been changed to allow the implementation of local workflow during the pandemic, and to adapt the protection rules to meet the safety measures. FU-UFRJ started to manipulate two antiseptic formulations: 70% ethyl alcohol and gel alcohol, which are included in the National Form, manufacturing around 100 L of these formulations, weekly, to donate to different health units. The experience enabled the adaptation to emergency health standards, planning and meaningful guidance to pharmacists and technicians to attend clinics at university hospitals, vaccination center and UFRJ city hall, in order to facilitate the access to adequate hand hygiene to the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Nigro
- Instituto de Macromóleculas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Melanie Tavares
- Farmácia Universitária, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Helena Keiko Toma
- LACMAC, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Zaida Maria Faria de Freitas
- Farmácia Universitária, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Denise de Abreu Garófalo
- Farmácia Universitária, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Márcia Maria Barros Dos Passos
- Farmácia Universitária, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elisabete Pereira Dos Santos
- Farmácia Universitária, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ricci-Júnior
- Farmácia Universitária, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Abstract
Background. As a central part of the healthcare system, the community pharmacies are afflicted by the repercussions of the pandemic. Therefore, they have to adapt their services according to the needs of their communities.
Objective. This article presents a systematic review with the aim to identify the additional services that community pharmacies are providing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods. The PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases were searched systematically for relevant articles between December 2019 and April 2020, using “Community Pharmacy,” “Services,” “COVID-19,” “Coronavirus,” and “Pandemic” as the keywords. Fifty-nine articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were obtained and after applying the filtering criteria, nine of them were selected and included in the study.
Results. Community pharmacies should provide pharmaceutical services that are according to the needs of the communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes of these services must be in line with the common goal of preventing the spread of the disease. In addition to the pre-existing services such as medication dispensing and personalized care, community pharmacists must promote other types of services, for example, informing, advising, and educating the community, maintaining a stable supply of pharmaceuticals and health products, and screening of suspected cases.
Conclusion. While remaining engaged in the coordinated efforts, community pharmacists should apply innovations in their practices to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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Mukattash TL, Jarab AS, Abu-Farha RK, Nusair M, Mukattash IL, Obaidat RM, Khdour M, Basheti I. Willingness and readiness to test for COVID-19; A qualitative exploration of community pharmacists. Int J Clin Pract 2020; 74:e13620. [PMID: 32734628 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to exploring community pharmacists' willingness and readiness to test for COVID-19 in Jordan. METHODS Purposeful sampling was used to identify a list of 30 community pharmacies, which were approached to participate in the study. Twenty interviews were needed to reach data saturation. In-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using NVivo 11 Software. Interviews followed a previously prepared and validated 10-item interview guide. The interview guide discussed pharmacists' willingness and readiness to test for COVID-19. RESULTS Twenty community pharmacists were interviewed for the purpose of the present study. Interviews took place during April 2020 and the mean interview duration was 23.30 minutes. Respondents had a mean age of 36.4 years and a mean experience of 8.8 years. The majority were female (70%) and 50% held a BSc in Pharmacy. Regarding respondents' willingness to test for COVID-19 emerging themes were helping other healthcare professional, willingness to contribute to official efforts in fighting COVID-19, acting as an accessible testing cite, willingness to carry out home testing. Regarding respondents' readiness to test for COVID-19 emerging themes were Pharmacists lack basic testing skills, pharmacies are not ready to preform tests and the need for training and certifying. CONCLUSION Jordanian pharmacists are willing to test patients for COVID-19 in community pharmacies, however, they thought they are not ready enough to undergo such tests and needed extra training and better safety precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq L Mukattash
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Anan S Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rana K Abu-Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Nusair
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ibrahim L Mukattash
- Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rana M Obaidat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maher Khdour
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Iman Basheti
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Ogunleye OO, Basu D, Mueller D, Sneddon J, Seaton RA, Yinka-Ogunleye AF, Wamboga J, Miljković N, Mwita JC, Rwegerera GM, Massele A, Patrick O, Niba LL, Nsaikila M, Rashed WM, Hussein MA, Hegazy R, Amu AA, Boahen-Boaten BB, Matsebula Z, Gwebu P, Chirigo B, Mkhabela N, Dlamini T, Sithole S, Malaza S, Dlamini S, Afriyie D, Asare GA, Amponsah SK, Sefah I, Oluka M, Guantai AN, Opanga SA, Sarele TV, Mafisa RK, Chikowe I, Khuluza F, Kibuule D, Kalemeera F, Mubita M, Fadare J, Sibomana L, Ramokgopa GM, Whyte C, Maimela T, Hugo J, Meyer JC, Schellack N, Rampamba EM, Visser A, Alfadl A, Malik EM, Malande OO, Kalungia AC, Mwila C, Zaranyika T, Chaibva BV, Olaru ID, Masuka N, Wale J, Hwenda L, Kamoga R, Hill R, Barbui C, Bochenek T, Kurdi A, Campbell S, Martin AP, Phuong TNT, Thanh BN, Godman B. Response to the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic Across Africa: Successes, Challenges, and Implications for the Future. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1205. [PMID: 33071775 PMCID: PMC7533592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed considerable lives. There are major concerns in Africa due to existing high prevalence rates for both infectious and non-infectious diseases and limited resources in terms of personnel, beds and equipment. Alongside this, concerns that lockdown and other measures will have on prevention and management of other infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are an increasing issue with rising morbidity and mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a lack of nets and treatment could result in up to 18 million additional cases of malaria and up to 30,000 additional deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE Document current prevalence and mortality rates from COVID-19 alongside economic and other measures to reduce its spread and impact across Africa. In addition, suggested ways forward among all key stakeholder groups. OUR APPROACH Contextualise the findings from a wide range of publications including internet-based publications coupled with input from senior-level personnel. ONGOING ACTIVITIES Prevalence and mortality rates are currently lower in Africa than among several Western countries and the USA. This could be due to a number of factors including early instigation of lockdown and border closures, the younger age of the population, lack of robust reporting systems and as yet unidentified genetic and other factors. Innovation is accelerating to address concerns with available equipment. There are ongoing steps to address the level of misinformation and its consequences including fines. There are also ongoing initiatives across Africa to start addressing the unintended consequences of COVID-19 activities including lockdown measures and their impact on NCDs including the likely rise in mental health disorders, exacerbated by increasing stigma associated with COVID-19. Strategies include extending prescription lengths, telemedicine and encouraging vaccination. However, these need to be accelerated to prevent increased morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION There are multiple activities across Africa to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and address misinformation, which can have catastrophic consequences, assisted by the WHO and others, which appear to be working in a number of countries. Research is ongoing to clarify the unintended consequences given ongoing concerns to guide future activities. Countries are learning from each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olayinka O. Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Debashis Basu
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Debjani Mueller
- Charlotte Maxeke Medical Research Cluster, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - R. Andrew Seaton
- Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joshua Wamboga
- Uganda Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (UAPO), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nenad Miljković
- Institute of Orthopaedic Surgery “Banjica”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Julius C. Mwita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Godfrey Mutashambara Rwegerera
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana and Department of Medicine, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Amos Massele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Okwen Patrick
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Bamenda, Cameroon
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Loveline Lum Niba
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Bamenda, Cameroon
- Department of Public Health, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Rehab Hegazy
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Adefolarin A. Amu
- Pharmacy Department, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Afriyie
- Pharmacy Department, Ghana Police Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Awuku Asare
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Israel Sefah
- Ghana Health Service, Pharmacy Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Keta-Dzelukope, Ghana
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Margaret Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anastasia N. Guantai
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sylvia A. Opanga
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tebello Violet Sarele
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville-campus, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Ibrahim Chikowe
- Pharmacy Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Francis Kalemeera
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Mwangana Mubita
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Joseph Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University , Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Laurien Sibomana
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gwendoline Malegwale Ramokgopa
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Carmen Whyte
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tshegofatso Maimela
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and the University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Johannes Hugo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Determinants of Health and Health in all Policies, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Natalie Schellack
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Enos M. Rampamba
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tshilidzini Hospital, Shayandima, South Africa
| | - Adel Visser
- Eugene Marais Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Abubakr Alfadl
- National Medicines Board, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
- Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elfatih M. Malik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
- Community Medicine Council, SMSB, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Oliver Ombeva Malande
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
- East Africa Centre for Vaccines and Immunization (ECAVI), Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Chiluba Mwila
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Trust Zaranyika
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Ioana D. Olaru
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nyasha Masuka
- Zimbabwe College of Public Health Physicians, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Janney Wale
- Independent Consumer Advocate, Brunswick, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Regina Kamoga
- Uganda Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (UAPO), Kampala, Uganda
- Community Health and Information Network (CHAIN), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruaraidh Hill
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Tomasz Bochenek
- Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Stephen Campbell
- Centre for Primary Care, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Martin
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- HCD Economics, The Innovation Centre, Daresbury, United Kingdom
| | - Thuy Nguyen Thi Phuong
- Pharmaceutical Administration & PharmacoEconomics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Binh Nguyen Thanh
- Pharmaceutical Administration & PharmacoEconomics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Brian Godman
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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15
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Pharmacists as Frontline Responders During COVID-19: Roles and Responsibilities Need to be Revisited. J Ambul Care Manage 2020; 43:312-316. [PMID: 32858732 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic has disrupted the health care system, creating challenges for health care workers and patients alike. As workflows and job responsibilities have been adapted to provide care to coronavirus-infected patients, many primary care services have been postponed. This change has led to significant financial impacts that will be difficult to overcome. Ambulatory care pharmacists can help fill gaps both in access to primary care services and in the financial deficit, if given the opportunity to practice at the top of their skillset and bill for their face-to-face and telehealth services both during and after the pandemic.
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16
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Ahmad A, Alkharfy KM, Alrabiah Z, Alhossan A. Saudi Arabia, pharmacists and COVID-19 pandemic. J Pharm Policy Pract 2020; 13:41. [PMID: 32670595 PMCID: PMC7351647 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-020-00243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The latest outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic has placed a significant effect on health care system around the world. This article discusses the role of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Pharmacists are an important part of everyday healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Pharmacists helped to protect the public from Covid-19 pandemic disease by participating in various initiatives including health education and promotion, medication dispensing, medication reconciliation, medication and patient counselling, training for self-management in current outbreak and emergency preparedness. Full utilization of skills of pharmacists boosted the safety response of Saudi Arabia to Covid-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Alkharfy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad Alrabiah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alhossan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
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Kwobah E, Jaguga F, Robert K, Ndolo E, Kariuki J. Efforts and Challenges to Ensure Continuity of Mental Healthcare Service Delivery in a Low Resource Settings During COVID-19 Pandemic-A Case of a Kenyan Referral Hospital. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:588216. [PMID: 33519544 PMCID: PMC7840829 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.588216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising number of patients with Covid-19 as well as the infection control measures have affected healthcare service delivery, including mental healthcare. Mental healthcare delivery in low and middle income countries where resources were already limited are likely to be affected more during this pandemic. This paper describes the efforts of ensuring mental healthcare delivery is continued in a referral hospital in Kenya, Moi Teaching and Referral hospital, as well as the challenges faced. These efforts are guided by the interim guidelines developed by the Kenyan ministry of health. Some of the adjustments described includes reducing number of patients admitted, shortening the stay in the inpatient setting, using outdoors for therapy to promote physical distancing, utilization of electronic platforms for family therapy sessions, strengthening outpatient services, and supporting primary care workers to deliver mental health care services. Some of the challenges include limited ability to move about, declining ability for patients to pay out of pocket due to the economic challenges brought about by measures to control Covid-19, limited drug supplies in primary care facilities, inability to fully implement telehealth due to connectivity issues and stigma for mental health which results in poor social support for the mentally ill patients. It is clear that current pandemic has jeopardized the continuity of usual mental healthcare in many settings. This has brought to sharp focus the need to decentralize mental health care and promote community based services. Meanwhile, there is need to explore feasible alternatives to ensure continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Kwobah
- Department of Mental Health, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Florence Jaguga
- Department of Mental Health, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Kiptoo Robert
- Department of Mental Health, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Elias Ndolo
- Department of Mental Health, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jane Kariuki
- Mental Health and Rehabilitative Services, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
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