Paradigm shift of drug information centers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major global threat affecting millions of lives throughout the world physically and psychologically. With the asymptomatic presentation of COVID-19 in many patients and the similarity of its symptoms with the common cold and influenza, the need for accurate information on the disease is very important for its identification and proper management. Accurate information on the disease, its prevention and treatment can be disseminated through drug information centers (DICs). DICs are usually staffed by pharmacists and/or clinical pharmacists/pharmacologists. DICs are a reliable source of current and unbiased information on COVID-19 and its associated complications, including management options for healthcare professionals and the public. In addition to health and drug information, pharmacists working in the DICs can be involved in the management of the patients' health by providing information on home care and safety, medication management of patients with chronic comorbid illnesses, and psychological advice. This article explores the possible additional roles DICs can play, besides providing drug information within the hospital or in the community. All authors have an equal contribution.

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“…The immune-suppression effect of dexamethasone is not clear in our finding, because the result of immune response to vaccines recorded insignificant different among the groups of the experiment. These finding is not agreed with [20] who reported that the induction of immunosuppression by dexamethasone in ducks result in progressively declining antibodies titers to very low levels which may make the birds susceptible to infection by challenge viruses, which lead to clinical disease and virus shedding. These differences in finding may be due to the time course of treatment.…”

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“…Exposure to negative information about the vaccines was associated with a high level of vaccine hesitancy in Philippines [ 47 ]. There is the need for accurate information on the COVID-19 vaccine, which is very important for its proper management [ 48 ].…”

Knowledge, awareness and preparedness regarding coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among community pharmacy practitioners working in Kathmandu, Nepal: A pilot study

“…Furthermore, CPPs can liaise with drug information centres, national health authorities and organizations to improve the use of information services provided by them. 20 , 39 …”

“…Furthermore, CPPs can liaise with drug information centres, national health authorities and organizations to improve the use of information services provided by them. 20,39 Ministry of Health and Population Nepal (MOHP) 40 is also posting COVID-19 occurrence updates and resource materials. Similarly, WHO is providing situation reports regarding COVID-19 for the public, doctors and healthcare professionals.…”

“… 15 Pharmacists have an essential role in the COVID-19 pandemic regarding counselling patients about prevention, providing information about diseases and medicines, and counselling during isolation and quarantine. 19 , 20 Community pharmacies and community pharmacists can work towards decreasing the period of ‘community transmission’ of COVID-19, through proper case finding, recommendation and management (symptomatic) of likely cases. They can also provide patient education regarding self-care to reduce the spread of the disease, including hand hygiene, personal hygiene, correct use of face masks and evaluation of symptoms.…”