The challenges of COVID-19 for community pharmacists and opportunities for the future. (21st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hayden, John C.; Parkin, Rebecca
• Editors: Gavin, Blanaid; Lyne, John; McNicholas, Fiona
• Is Part Of: Irish journal of psychological medicine. Volume 37:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 203
• Publication Date: 2020-09-21
• Subjects: Community pharmacy, -- COVID-19, -- mental health, -- pandemic, -- pharmacists, -- professional roles; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2020.52
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-9667

Abstract

Abstract : Pharmacists, like psychiatrists, have modified their practices amidst COVID-19 in order to guarantee care and support to their patients. Designated an essential frontline service, community pharmacists are facing a spectrum of challenges to surmount to ensure patient care continues. These include assisting in the prevention of infection, managing supply chains, preventing stockpiling and provision of evidence-based medical information. However, disasters like COVID-19 disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations, and patients with mental health conditions may be among the hardest hit. Pharmacist-level, system-level and regulatory responses have sought to minimise this impact, although there is likely to be a lasting impression on the profession, both good and bad. This article reviews the pandemic-related challenges and responses by pharmacists, as well as forming recommendation for areas of professional support and role expansion, particularly in the case of mental health.