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Sweileh WM. Bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 research publications in pharmacy practice journals. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2022. [PMCID: PMC9494489 DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Pharmacy practice journals are considered the main player in promoting pharmacy practice research and the pharmacy profession globally. The current study aimed to explore and analyze literature on the COVID-19 pandemic published in pharmacy practice journals.
Methods
COVID-19 research articles were extracted from 32 pharmacy practice journals indexed in Scopus for the study period from 01 January 2020, up until 31 December 2021
Key findings
A total of 581 documents were found with an average of 4.5 authors per article and 4.8 citations per document. The retrieved documents were published in 28 pharmacy practice-related journals with the Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy and the American Journal of Health System Pharmacy journals being the leaders in this field. The major findings of the analysis indicated (1) a limited number of contributing countries with limited author-author interactions and cross country collaboration; (2) specific topics were encountered, mainly hospital pharmacy services, survey studies on knowledge, and pharmacy education; (3) several contributing countries in the Middle East, mainly Saudi Arabia; Egypt, and Jordan contributed to the retrieved documents, and (4) the highly-cited documents discussed issues related to pharmacy services and role of the community pharmacists during the pandemic.
Conclusion
Research activity on COVID-19 in pharmacy practice journals represents the commitment of researchers and professionals to transform and promote the profession of pharmacy. Research on pharmacy practice and pharmacists in low- and middle-income countries during pandemics needs to be prioritized by scholars and journal editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M Sweileh
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology/Toxicology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University , Nablus , Palestine
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2
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Toma A, Crişan O. Improving the Pharmacists’ Response to Public Health Emergencies—Documentary Research on Online Resources Provided by National Pharmacists’ Associations. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604537. [PMID: 36090828 PMCID: PMC9448858 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Given the expanding role of pharmacists during COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to investigate the approach of professional associations to supporting their practice and to find ways to improve their response to public health emergencies. Methods: We conducted documentary research on websites of seven national pharmacists’ associations, submitted the findings to a comparative thematic analysis, and made proposals of specific good practices. Results: Many great resources were provided by pharmacists’ associations in Australia, France, Spain, and the US. The similarities include scientific information on COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines, legal issues, and wellbeing management. The main differences were in developing medication management programs, supporting hospital pharmacists, helping families, or advocating for an equitable vaccination. In Finland, Hungary and Romania, the focus was on updating emerging information. Considering the need for better managing public health emergencies at organizational level, we suggested good practices regarding training and communication. Conclusion: Professional associations should develop preparedness and response plans for public health emergencies. Practical training and effective communication could improve the resilience of pharmacists and patients during pandemics, which could save lives.
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Abrahamsen B, Hansen RN, Skjøtt M, Sloth-Lisbjerg D, Rossing CV. Mapping of Danish Pharmacy Technician Students’ Third-Year Projects in a Year with the COVID-19 Pandemic. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10010033. [PMID: 35202082 PMCID: PMC8875871 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To graduate, pharmacy technician students write a project in their third year. They choose between six elective courses, and work with a subject related to their education and everyday practice at community or hospital pharmacies. In this article, we report the mapping of third-year project themes and provide an overview of the challenges that COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have had on completing the projects. On the basis of all project titles, a list of themes was generated and described before all projects were allocated to one of the themes. Challenges experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated from an analytical workshop where supervisors discussed their experience with supervising students throughout the completion of the projects. In total, 140 projects were included and thematised into eight themes: advanced pharmacy services, digital patient support, organisation and collaboration, handling of medicine, automated dose dispensing, medication counselling in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and others, covering all six elective courses. The COVID-19 pandemic affected students’ possibilities to collect data from either physical interviews or observations. The challenges prompted both constructive and creative discussions between students and supervisors to find ways to complete the projects, and required flexibility from all those involved: students, supervisors, community pharmacies, and hospital pharmacies. In conclusion, all students managed to complete their third-year project at a similar level of achievement statistically compared to average grades for the previous six years (2016–2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjarke Abrahamsen
- Department of Research & Development, The Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Milnersvej 42, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark; (R.N.H.); (C.V.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Rikke Nørgaard Hansen
- Department of Research & Development, The Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Milnersvej 42, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark; (R.N.H.); (C.V.R.)
| | - Mette Skjøtt
- Department of Education, The Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Milnersvej 42, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark; (M.S.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Ditte Sloth-Lisbjerg
- Department of Education, The Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Milnersvej 42, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark; (M.S.); (D.S.-L.)
| | - Charlotte Verner Rossing
- Department of Research & Development, The Danish College of Pharmacy Practice, Milnersvej 42, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark; (R.N.H.); (C.V.R.)
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Murphy AL, Simon K, Pelletier E, Miller L, Gardner DM. Bloom Program pharmacy teams’ experiences providing mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021; 155:93-100. [PMID: 35300027 PMCID: PMC8922227 DOI: 10.1177/17151635211065426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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5
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Turcu-Stiolica A, Kamusheva M, Bogdan M, Tadic I, Harasani K, Subtirelu MS, Meca AD, Šesto S, Odalović M, Arsić J, Stojkov S, Terzieva E, Petrova G. Pharmacist's Perspectives on Administering a COVID-19 Vaccine in Community Pharmacies in Four Balkan Countries. Front Public Health 2021; 9:766146. [PMID: 34900910 PMCID: PMC8655838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.766146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacists expanded their roles and engaged in vaccination services in many countries around the world, but not in Balkan countries. This research aimed to assess the perceptions of pharmacists on involvement in the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine administration in four Balkan countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia). A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire that was distributed to community pharmacists across these countries between February and March 2021. A total of 636 community pharmacists were included in the analysis of the survey. The willingness to administer vaccines for COVID-19 (or other vaccines well established in the practice, like a flu vaccine) in community pharmacies is significantly different among the countries: the pharmacists from Albania were more willing to administer vaccines. The factors associated with the eagerness to vaccinate are almost the same among the countries: the lack of training in the faculty classes and the lack of a special place where to administer vaccines. Additional significant factors were found in Bulgaria (pharmacists from independent pharmacies wanted more than the pharmacists working in chain pharmacies to administer vaccines) and in Serbia (male pharmacists agreed more with administering vaccines than female pharmacists). Further national reforms are needed for adopting the expanding role of community pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Turcu-Stiolica
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Kamusheva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Bogdan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ivana Tadic
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Klejda Harasani
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea-Daniela Meca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Sofia Šesto
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Odalović
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Arsić
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Municipio de Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Stojkov
- Department of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Municipio de Novi Sad, Serbia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Vocational Studies for the Education of Preschool Teachers and Sports Trainers in Subotica, Subotica, Serbia
| | - Emili Terzieva
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Guenka Petrova
- Department of Organization and Economics of Pharmacy, Medical University-Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
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6
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Costa S, Romão M, Mendes M, Horta MR, Rodrigues AT, Carneiro AV, Martins AP, Mallarini E, Naci H, Babar ZUD. Pharmacy interventions on COVID-19 in Europe: Mapping current practices and a scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 18:3338-3349. [PMID: 34924315 PMCID: PMC8670105 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has put community pharmacists at the frontline of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Pharmacies had to reorganize and implement several different interventions and measures within a very short time frame. Objectives 1) To map the current reported practice and trends and to review the literature on pharmacy-based interventions on COVID-19 provided in Europe; 2) To identify knowledge gaps and future avenues for pharmacy research, policy, and practice in response to public health emergencies. Methods We used a mixed methods approach combining country mapping of current practices of pharmacy interventions on COVID-19 reported by pharmacy associations in Europe with a scoping review of published literature. Results We mapped current practices on 31 pharmacy interventions on COVID-19 in 32 countries in Europe. Almost all preventive measures to reduce health risks have been provided in most countries. Other frequent interventions reflected preparedness for stockpiling, increased demand for services and products, and important patient care interventions exceeding dispensing role. Expanded powers granted to pharmacies and legislation passed in view of COVID-19 enabled services that improve access to medicines and relevant products, patient screening and referral including point-of-care antigen testing, support to vulnerable patients, and COVID-19 vaccination. We identified 9 studies conducted in pharmacies in 7 countries in Europe. Most studies are cross-sectional and/or descriptive. Pharmacy associations played an important supporting role by developing and updating guidance and emergency plans to assist community pharmacists. Conclusions A wide array of pharmacy interventions on COVID-19 was implemented in several countries within a very short time frame. Research on pharmacy interventions on COVID-19 is still in its infancy but confirmed the wide array of interventions provided and expanded powers granted to pharmacies. These findings may provide a significant impact to improve pharmacy research, policy, and practice in response to future public health emergencies in Europe and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzete Costa
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Romão
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Health Evaluation & Research (CEFAR), Infosaúde, Associação Nacional das Farmácias (ANF), R. Marechal Saldanha, 1, 1249-069 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Mendes
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Medicines Information and Health Interventions (CEDIME), Infosaúde, Associação Nacional das Farmácias (ANF), R. Marechal Saldanha, 1, 1249-069 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Rute Horta
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Medicines Information and Health Interventions (CEDIME), Infosaúde, Associação Nacional das Farmácias (ANF), R. Marechal Saldanha, 1, 1249-069 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - António Teixeira Rodrigues
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Health Evaluation & Research (CEFAR), Infosaúde, Associação Nacional das Farmácias (ANF), R. Marechal Saldanha, 1, 1249-069 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - António Vaz Carneiro
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana Paula Martins
- Institute for Evidence-Based Health (ISBE), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Reynaldo dos Santos, Piso 3, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Health Technologies, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Erika Mallarini
- SDA Bocconi School of Management, Via Sarfati, 10, 20136, Milano, Italy.
| | - Huseyin Naci
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK.
| | - Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3DH, UK.
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7
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Obaid D, El-Dahiyat F, Babar ZUD. Recommendations to improve pharmacy practice research in the Middle Eastern Arab countries. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:68. [PMID: 34416916 PMCID: PMC8377453 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The expansion of the pharmacist-led services has resulted in increased demand to have evidence in terms of necessity, efficacy, and cost. Evidence-based practice is crucial to provide the best patient health outcomes and pharmacy practice research can play a key role in this regard. This commentary provides a background of pharmacy practice research, and then, it highlights three key recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature. The systematic review of the literature on pharmacy practice research has been conducted in 12 Middle Eastern Arab Countries. The three key recommendations include (a) identification of research priorities by health authorities in each country; (b) pharmacy practice research culture to be nurtured and promoted with academic researchers and practitioners; and (c) shifting pharmacy practice research towards applied, interventional, and implementation studies
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Affiliation(s)
- Daneh Obaid
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O Box 64141, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Faris El-Dahiyat
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O Box 64141, Al Ain, UAE.
| | - Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, West Yorkshire, UK
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8
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Waszyk-Nowaczyk M, Guzenda W, Kamasa K, Pawlak K, Bałtruszewicz N, Artyszuk K, Białoszewski A, Merks P. Cooperation Between Pharmacists and Physicians - Whether It Was Before and is It Still Ongoing During the Pandemic? J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:2101-2110. [PMID: 34393489 PMCID: PMC8357703 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s318480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, it is very important to put an emphasis on widely understood teamwork. This is of great importance for achieving and maintaining success in all areas, especially in medicine. This kind of unity has many advantages, including unique ideas that are very helpful in a competitive environment, improve performance and knowledge, and create stronger supportive work relationships. Patient’s health can be improved by using comprehensive treatment. This provides an urgent need for multidisciplinary partnership in the medical community. Optimal pharmacological treatment is crucial to achieving treatment goals. To ensure excellent quality of medical care, interprofessional cooperation between physicians and pharmacists and/or other medical professionals is necessary. Their complementary knowledge and experience can lead to improved health outcomes and can also reduce treatment costs. There are also many barriers and difficulties in legal systems that would allow for more effective inter-professional cooperation. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to emphasizing the role of the pharmacist, increasing powers, and at the same time to teamwork, sometimes forced by the situation. The purpose of this publication is to view the literature on the cooperation of physicians and pharmacists in the provision of medical services for patients. Professional cooperation has been well known in many countries for years, as it is a key medium supporting optimized patient care. Analyzing the challenges and approaches can lead to better and improved health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Waszyk-Nowaczyk
- Pharmacy Practice Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 60-780, Poland
| | - Weronika Guzenda
- Pharmacy Practice Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 60-780, Poland
| | - Karolina Kamasa
- Student's Pharmaceutical Care Group, Pharmacy Practice Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 60-780, Poland
| | - Kornel Pawlak
- Student's Pharmaceutical Care Group, Pharmacy Practice Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 60-780, Poland
| | - Natalia Bałtruszewicz
- Student's Pharmaceutical Care Group, Pharmacy Practice Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 60-780, Poland
| | - Karolina Artyszuk
- Student's Pharmaceutical Care Group, Pharmacy Practice Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, 60-780, Poland
| | - Artur Białoszewski
- Department of the Prevention of Environmental Hazards and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Piotr Merks
- Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, 01-938, Poland
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9
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Li J, Hu H, Liu W, Lei CI, Ung COL. Predicting Pharmacist Intention to Contribute to COVID-19 Management at the Community Level: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Front Public Health 2021; 9:653335. [PMID: 34368042 PMCID: PMC8339551 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.653335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The role of pharmacists in public health management is expected to grow into a key player in the continuing measures of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the community setting. However, their intention to provide essential public health services for combating the pandemic and the impact of their attitude and beliefs are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the intention-to-practice COVID-19-related responsibilities of pharmacists based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), identify the key factors predicting their intention, and explore the usefulness of the TPB model in predicting such an intention. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire was completed by pharmacists in Macao between May and August 2020. Quantitative responses regarding intention-to-practice COVID-19-related duties, and the four TPB variables [attitude (A), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and past behavior (PB)] were measured. Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability were used to determine the reliability and validity of the tool. In addition to descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation was used to determine the strengths of the association, and multiple linear regression was used to predict the association between the intention and the four key variables. Results: More than half of the pharmacists practicing in Macao completed the questionnaire (296/520) giving a response rate of 56.9%. Among them, 75% were 26-40 years old and 56% were female. The majority of the participants (91.9%) demonstrated a positive intention to contribute to the COVID-19 infection management (mean = 4.19 ± 0.51). The mean scores for A, SN, PBC, and PB were 4.06 ± 0.52, 3.71 ± 0.58, 3.76 ± 0.65, and 4.03 ± 0.54, respectively. A (β = 0.671), SN (β = 0.608), PBC (β = 0.563), and PB (β = 0.829) were all positively correlated with intention (all P < 0.001). It was found that 72.5% of the variance in the intention-to-practice COVID-19-related duties could be explained by the TPB model using the four key variables with A and PB being two possible predictors. Conclusion: Pharmacists showed favorable A, SN, PBC, and intention in participating in COVID-19 management in the community setting. Specific training, enhanced stakeholder communication, and improved pharmacy management are essential to increase the willingness of pharmacists to take part in the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies alike in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macao, China
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10
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Paudyal V, Fialová D, Henman MC, Hazen A, Okuyan B, Lutters M, Cadogan C, da Costa FA, Galfrascoli E, Pudritz YM, Rydant S, Acosta-Gómez J. Pharmacists' involvement in COVID-19 vaccination across Europe: a situational analysis of current practice and policy. Int J Clin Pharm 2021; 43:1139-1148. [PMID: 34218402 PMCID: PMC8254632 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-021-01301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
One year since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid response measures have been implemented internationally to mitigate the spread of the virus. Following rapid and successful pre-clinical and human trials, several vaccines have been authorised for use across Europe through
the European Medicines Agency and national regulatory authorities. Clinical trials have shown promising results including important reductions in disease severity, hospitalisation and mortality. In order to maximise the public health benefit of available vaccines, there is a pressing need to vaccinate a large proportion of the population. Internationally, this has prompted coordination of existing services at enormous scale, and development and implementation of novel vaccination strategies to ensure maximum inoculation over the shortest possible timeframe. Pharmacists are being promoted as healthcare professionals that enhance roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination programmes. This paper aims to summarise current policy and practice in relation to pharmacists’ involvement in COVID-19 vaccination in 13 countries across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhu Paudyal
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Daniela Fialová
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin C Henman
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ankie Hazen
- Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Betul Okuyan
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Monika Lutters
- Clinical Pharmacy, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cathal Cadogan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Silas Rydant
- Meduca, Koninklijke Apothekersvereniging Antwerpen (KAVA), Lange Leemstraat 187, 2018, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Pharmacy response to COVID-19: lessons learnt from Canada. J Pharm Policy Pract 2020; 13:76. [PMID: 33298184 PMCID: PMC7724456 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-020-00280-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
When the first wave of COVID-19 hit in March 2020, health care professionals across Canada were challenged to quickly and efficiently adapt to change their work practices in these unprecedented times. Pharmacy professionals, being some of the very few front-line health care workers who remained accessible in person for patients, had to rapidly adopt critical changes in their pharmacies to respond in the best interest of their patients and their pharmacy staff. As challenging and demanding as such changes were, they provided pharmacists with invaluable lessons that would be imperative as the country enters a potentially more dangerous second wave. This article seeks to identify and summarize opportunities for improvement in pharmacy as learnt from the pandemic’s first wave. Such areas include but are not limited to handling of drug shortage and addressing drug hoarding and stockpiling, providing physical and mental support for staff, timing of flu vaccine and COVID-19 screening/testing, collaboration between different health care sites as well as collaboration with patients and with other health care professionals, telemedicine and willingness to adopt innovative ideas, need for more staff training and more precise research to provide accurate information and finally the need for more organizational and workplace support. Learning from what went well and what did not work in the early stages of the pandemic is integral to ensure pharmacy professionals are better prepared to protect themselves and their patients amidst a second and possibly subsequent waves.
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