Global oncology pharmacy response to COVID-19 pandemic: Medication access and safety

Abstract

<jats:p> Response, action, and adaptation of the way health services are delivered will impact our ability to provide optimized and continuity of care while acting within resource constraints imposed by COVID-19. Care for patients with cancer is particularly important given increased infection rates and worse outcomes from COVID-19 in this patient population, as well as potential adverse outcomes if treatment pathways need to be compromised. In this commentary, we provide a global oncology pharmacy perspective (including both developed and developing nations) on how COVID-19 has impacted access to and delivery of cancer therapies. This perspective was prepared by the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, with input from national and regional oncology pharmacy practice groups (42 practice leaders from 28 countries and regions) who contributed to a snapshot survey between 10 and 22 April 2020. Specifically, we highlight challenges related to safe handling of hazardous drugs and maintaining high-quality medication safety standards that have impacted various stakeholders. </jats:p>

Nota Técnica da Sociedade Brasileira de Farmacêuticos em Oncologia sobre Assistência Farmacêutica em Oncologia frente à Pandemia de Covid-19

“…A manutenção dos tratamentos dos pacientes oncológicos durante a pandemia, no entanto, traz desafios à prática dos profissionais e ao gerenciamento do cuidado, demandando adequações às instituições de saúde 4,9 . No contexto da AF, diversas atividades deverão ser reestruturadas, com o intuito de conseguir assegurar o acesso, a efetividade e a segurança do tratamento [10][11][12] .…”

“…Em março de 2020, a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) declarou que a Covid-19 se tornou uma pandemia global 3 . Desde então, profissionais farmacêuticos, em todo o mundo, vêm buscando formas de responder, agir e se adaptar para manter a continuidade das atividades relacionadas à AF em oncologia 4 . Nesse sentido, a Sociedade Brasileira de Farmacêuticos em Oncologia (Sobrafo) emitiu uma Nota Técnica com o objetivo de auxiliar os farmacêuticos na adoção de condutas a serem empregadas nos serviços de oncologia, visando à manutenção da qualidade do cuidado.…”

COVID-19 related regulatory change for pharmacists – The case for its retention post the pandemic

“…Hospital pharmacy initiatives centered on comprehensive medicines management protocols and guidelines, re-organization of hospital services and practical changes to the hospital layout in addition to the upskilling of clinical pharmacists. 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 Both sectors were required to minimize the potential infection risk to both themselves and their patients resulting in marked changes in staffing (e.g. formation of staff pods), the use of precautionary personal protective equipment, changes to pharmacy floor layouts to ensure social distancing was maintained and innovative communication strategies between patients and fellow healthcare workers.…”

Global changes to the chemotherapy service during the covid-19 pandemic

“…5 Furthermore, the requirement for social distancing in the workplace has implications on the preparation and administration of treatments. 6 Chemotherapy is known to be immunosuppressive, and concerns that this would result in a greater risk of suffering from severe COVID-19 symptoms may have caused patients and clinicians to temporarily suspend or change cancer treatment. At the start of the pandemic, decisions on the prioritisation of patients in the UK were guided by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the main suggestion was to continue delivering therapies with curative intent.…”

“… 5 Furthermore, the requirement for social distancing in the workplace has implications on the preparation and administration of treatments. 6 …”