Provision of clinical pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of pharmacists from 16 European countries

Paudyal, Vibhu; Cadogan, Cathal; Fialová, Daniela; Henman, Martin; Hazen, Ankie; Okuyan, Betül; Lutters, Monika; Stewart, Derek

doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.11.017

Cited by 73 publications

(130 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The expansion of pharmacists’ roles and workforce in the community is also imperative on the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases of concern [ 50 – 53 ]. The pandemic has required pharmacy services to offer extended roles in all sectors including continuation of the provision of routine services in the time of hardships and shortages in medicines supply; uptake of novel roles in primary care, hospital and critical care; participation in clinical trials; and provision of education, medicines information; and offering vaccinations [ 50 ]. The findings of this study will be useful in enabling pharmacists’ preparedness and response to current and future pandemic in Saudi Arabia and beyond by harnessing the facilitators and addressing barriers to uptake of novel roles as identified in this study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived barriers and facilitators to uptake of non-traditional roles by pharmacists in Saudi Arabia and implications for COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a qualitative study using Theoretical Domain Framework

Mohammed

Khanal

Jalal

et al. 2021

J of Pharm Policy and Pract

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened the need for pharmacists to uptake non-traditional roles. Pharmacy practice in Saudi Arabia is emerging in recent years with greater policy emphasis on pharmacists taking new clinical roles. This study aimed to explore the experiences, perceptions and barriers of Saudi pharmacists about their uptake of non-traditional roles using Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Methods A qualitative semi-structured study using face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted. Eligible participants included qualified pharmacists from Saudi Arabia. Interviews focused on pharmacist’s perceptions, current opportunities and key challenges towards the uptake of non-traditional roles. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Results were analysed through the framework analysis method and were later mapped with respective domains of TDF. Results A total of 14 pharmacists completed the interview (9 females and 5 males). Participants showed an overall positive attitude towards the uptake of non-traditional roles. Participants felt that there was wider support available for pharmacists at the policy level to uptake non-traditional roles. However, a need for greater recognition of roles by other healthcare professionals and patients were identified. Participants alluded to reluctance of some physicians to take on board the suggestions from a pharmacist. Key barriers to uptake of non-traditional roles were related to environmental context and resources domain of TDF. For example, participants discussed the need for even further practical experiences during their undergraduate degree to become ready to adopt non-traditional roles in clinical practice. Conclusions Participants of this theoretically informed qualitative study showed an overall positive attitude towards the way pharmacy practice is progressing in Saudi Arabia and their uptake of non-traditional roles. However, there is a need to improve interdisciplinary working, patient awareness of pharmacist competencies and their educational preparedness in furthering their uptake of non-traditional roles. Addressing such barriers and promoting uptake of novel roles by pharmacists is imperative in the context of emerging COVID-19 and future pandemics.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceived barriers and facilitators to uptake of non-traditional roles by pharmacists in Saudi Arabia and implications for COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a qualitative study using Theoretical Domain Framework

Mohammed

Khanal

Jalal

et al. 2021

J of Pharm Policy and Pract

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…A recent study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical pharmacy practice suggested that pharmacists are being increasingly requested information about dietary supplementation, vitamins, and any options on the shelves that could offer symptom relief and boost immune system. 9 This narrative will aim to discuss global practices and policies in regards to CAM use in COVID-19. A global update will enable understanding of international practices and policies, patient and consumer behaviors, identification of popular CAMs and those tipped for potential benefits, including evidence base, and thereby support counselling and communications by healthcare professionals when patients present for advice.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Complementary and alternative medicines use in COVID-19: A global perspective on practice, policy and research

Paudyal

Sun

Hussain

et al. 2022

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

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The COVID-19 pandemic has met international health systems with a low level of preparedness and emergency response. While the emergence of effective vaccines has offered the Governments, scientific communities, and members of the public a possible way out of the pandemic, effective pharmacotherapy, including immunotherapy for COVID-19 prevention and treatment, are yet to be established. Internationally, this has led to a surge in the demand and supply of many complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) and practices. Recent studies have shown increasing CAM information requests made to pharmacists and other healthcare staff from members of public and patients aimed at prevention, symptoms relief or treatment of COVID-19. In this context, it is imperative that healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, are acquainted with current practices, policies, and research in relation to CAM use in COVID-19. This narrative commentary will provide an update on global practices, policies and research in regards to CAM use in the context of COVID-19. Healthcare professionals’ understanding of popular CAMs and those tipped for potential benefits in COVID-19, patient and consumer behaviors in relation to CAM use; and healthcare professionals' awareness of cultural, religious, and self-care practices associated with CAM use are imperative to inform effective communication and counselling practices and promote evidence based self-care when patients present for advice. This narrative provides relevant discussions specific to different continents and regions historically linked to diverse CAM practices.

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“…However, the number of telephone appointments increased over 2.5 folds during the same period [ 6 ]. These drastic changes in the delivery of services in primary care, such as general practices and community pharmacies, have raised concerns with regards to timely equitable access to these services [ 5 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Prescribing Patterns of First-Line Antibiotics in English Primary Care: A Longitudinal Analysis of National Prescribing Dataset

2021

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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on public access to health services. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on commonly prescribed first-line antibiotics in English primary care. A secondary analysis of publicly available government data pertaining to primary care prescribing was conducted. A list of twenty first-line antibiotics used to treat common infections was developed following the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. All primary care prescription and cost data pertaining to commonly prescribed first-line antibiotics in England between March and September of 2018–2020 were extracted and adjusted for inflation. Analysis suggests prescribing of antibiotics significantly reduced by 15.99% (p = 0.018) and 13.5% (p = 0.002) between March and September 2020 compared with same time period for 2018 and 2019, respectively. The most noticeable decrease in 2020 was noticed for prescribing for meningitis (−62.3%; p = 0.002) followed by respiratory tract infections (−39.13%; p = 0.035), in terms of indications. These results are suggestive of reduced transmission of infections in the community due to national lockdowns, social distancing and hygiene practices. In addition, the impact of reduced face-to-face consultations in general practices needs to be investigated as a potential reason for reduced prescribing. The pandemic also offers an opportunity to rationalize antibiotics use in the community.

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Provision of clinical pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of pharmacists from 16 European countries

Cited by 73 publications

References 29 publications

Perceived barriers and facilitators to uptake of non-traditional roles by pharmacists in Saudi Arabia and implications for COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a qualitative study using Theoretical Domain Framework

Perceived barriers and facilitators to uptake of non-traditional roles by pharmacists in Saudi Arabia and implications for COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a qualitative study using Theoretical Domain Framework

Complementary and alternative medicines use in COVID-19: A global perspective on practice, policy and research

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Prescribing Patterns of First-Line Antibiotics in English Primary Care: A Longitudinal Analysis of National Prescribing Dataset

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