Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists’ readiness during coronavirus pandemic: the case of United Arab Emirates

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.

Complementary and alternative medicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices

“… 11 Research in other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates also showed a positive attitude among pharmacists as to their role during pandemics. 22 …”

Hospital pharmacists’ awareness and perspective toward the management of COVID-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“…Some of the pharmacists thought that hydroxychloroquine has been used as a preventive therapy against the COVID-19 infection, which is similar to the previous findings. 19 Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine in addition to ventilatory support have been trailed by specialists in the management of hospitalised COVID-patients. 19 Many pharmacists were aware that azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine were used together for the treatment of COVID-19 infection, while merely 49% knew that antivirals such as oseltamivir, have been used in the management of coronavirus infection cases.…”

“… 19 Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine in addition to ventilatory support have been trailed by specialists in the management of hospitalised COVID-patients. 19 Many pharmacists were aware that azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine were used together for the treatment of COVID-19 infection, while merely 49% knew that antivirals such as oseltamivir, have been used in the management of coronavirus infection cases. 22 Many pharmacists agreed that using NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen may increase the risk of COVID-19 complications.…”

“…17 Many pharmacists in our study closely followed the recent COVID-19 updates on treatments and updated their information mostly via WHO documents, which is consistent with previous study findings. [18][19][20] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO facilitated healthcare professionals to acquiring up-to-date knowledge regarding the COVID-19 treatment. FIP guidance documents and COVID-19 online webinars could benefit in the provision of correct information to the hospital pharmacists globally.…”

Changes in drug demand when a pandemic coincides with other outbreaks in a war zone country: a cross-sectional pilot study

“…The survey was developed after an extensive literature review [ 18 , 21 , 22 ]. Initially, a group of hospital and community pharmacists were contacted to suggest a list of the most common drugs and drug groups to which they have noticed an increase in their demand during COVID-19 and to provide any other comments they have observed related to medication demand.…”