Prevalence and risk factors of burnout in community pharmacists

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for occupational burnout in community pharmacists.MethodsCommunity pharmacists were solicited through a professional network e-mail Listserv to complete an anonymous, electronic survey on burnout. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and a work-factors–based questionnaire. The MBI-HSS assessed burnout on the basis of feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. The additional questionnaire was used to evaluate risk factors for burnout by collecting information on pharmacist demographics, position characteristics, and pharmacy store characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors associated with burnout.ResultsA total of 412 community pharmacists responded to the survey (7.4% response rate), of whom 411 were included in the final analysis. Overall, 308 (74.9%) of responding community pharmacists experienced burnout in at least 1 of the 3 subscales of the MBI-HSS. Most of the pharmacists experienced burnout owing to emotional exhaustion (68.9%), followed by depersonalization (50.4%) and reduced personal accomplishment (30.7%). The significant risk factors for burnout included shorter years of experience, practicing primarily in a chain pharmacy, and a lack of resources for burnout or resiliency.ConclusionThere is a high degree of burnout in community pharmacists (74.9%). Future research is warranted to examine optimal strategies to prevent burnout and promote resiliency in the profession.     

Cross-sectional study to evaluate burnout among pharmacy staff in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed healthcare workers, including pharmacists, at an increased risk of infection and has increased their workload, which could lead to burnout. Therefore, the present study aimed to measure the levels of burnout among hospital and community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the risk factors associated with burnout.MethodsIn the present cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed among community and hospital (inpatient, outpatient, clinical, and administration) pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) survey was used to measure burnout levels. This 19-item survey covered three aspects: personal, work, and patient-related burnout. The survey included questions about socio-demographic factors and the major causes of psychological distress among pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inferential statistics were used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 502 pharmacists were included in the present study. Of these, 59.1% were categorized as having clinically relevant burnout levels (scores ≥ 50).Univariate analysis revealed that the burnout level was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among pharmacists who were younger, were females, had lesser years of experience, or worked in the community pharmacy. The main factors associated with high burnout levels among community pharmacists were younger age, lesser years of experience, male gender, non-Saudi nationality, and higher numbers of customers. In the COVID-19 part of the survey, burnout was found to be strongly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fears of getting infected or of a family member getting infected, fears of the pandemic lasting for too long, and increased working hours were factors contributing to increased burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic with unadjusted β of 8.336 and (95% CI 7.082–9.589, p value < 0.001). A lack of supportive work culture and sleeping disturbances were also found to be related to high burnout levels (p < 0.001).ConclusionsPharmacy staff in Saudi Arabia were found to experience high levels of burnout. The major risk factors causing burnout included younger age, female gender, lesser years of experience, a lack of supportive work culture, sleep disturbances, worries associated with increased workload during the pandemic, fears of getting infected, and increased working hours.     

The “affected” pharmacist and the “business as usual” pharmacist: Exploring the experiences of pharmacists during COVID-19 through cluster analysis

BackgroundThe global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has necessitated considerable changes in the delivery of pharmacy services, with pharmacists experiencing increasing demands and a high rate of burnout. The ability to categorize pharmacists based on their burnout risk and associated factors could be used to tailor burnout interventions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify subgroups (profiles) of pharmacists and use these profiles to describe interventions tailored to improve pharmacist’s well-being.MethodsA survey was disseminated to pharmacists working in Australia during April and June 2020. The survey measured demographics, burnout, and psychosocial factors associated with working during COVID-19. A two-step cluster analysis was used to categorize pharmacists based on burnout and other variables.ResultsA total of 647 survey responses contained data that were used for analysis. Participants were mostly female (75.7%) and working full time (65.2%). The final cluster analysis yielded an acceptable two-cluster model describing 2 very different pharmacist experiences, using 10 variables. Cluster 2 (representing 53.1% of participants) describes the “affected” pharmacist, who has a high degree of burnout, works in community pharmacy, experiences incivility, is less likely to report sufficient precautionary measures in their workplace, and has had an increase in workload and overtime. In contrast, cluster 1 (representing 46.9% of participants) describes the profile of a “business as usual” hospital pharmacist with the opposite experiences.Interventions focused on the “affected” pharmacist such as financial support to employ specialized staff and equitable access to personal protective equipment should be available to community pharmacists, to reduce the risk to these frontline workers.ConclusionThe use of cluster analysis has identified 2 distinct profiles of pharmacists working during COVID-19. The “affected” pharmacist warrants targeted interventions to address the high burnout experienced in this group.     

Mental health,burnout and resilience in community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess burnout, resilience, and levels of depression, anxiety, stress and fear among community pharmacists during the pandemic, and examine if fear of COVID-19 is associated with these outcomes of interest.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in Qatar was conducted. Pharmacists’ burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory: Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS? for MP-Mindgarden). Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10). Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Fear of COVID-19 was assessed by the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S).Results256 respondents completed the survey and were included in the final study analysis (response rate: 42.7%). Overall, participants reported a moderate level of burnout as illustrated in the mean scores of the three burnout dimensions; 20.54 (SD = 12.37) for emotional exhaustion, 6.76 (SD = 6.22) for depersonalization, and 36.57 (SD = 9.95) for personal accomplishment. Moreover, depression, anxiety and stress were reported by 44.8%, 53.2% and 25.4% of particiants respectively. Participants had shown moderate resilience (mean score: 27.64 (SD = 8.31)) and their mean score fear of COVID19 was 15.67 (SD = 6.54). Fear of COVID-19 was a statistically significant and an independent predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress levels.ConclusionsThe pharmacists experienced moderate burnout but moderate resilience, which indicates their potential to overcome difficulties. Future interventions at the personal, national and organizational levels are required to enhance the pharmacists’ wellbeing by decreasing stress, improving self-efficacy and resilience, and preventing burnout.     

The experiences of pharmacists during the global COVID-19 pandemic: A thematic analysis using the jobs demands-resources framework

BackgroundCOVID-19 has necessitated a change to the way pharmacists are providing healthcare and has impacted the psychological wellbeing of these frontline healthcare workers.ObjectiveTo use the job demands-resources framework of burnout to describe the experiences of pharmacists working during COVID-19.MethodsAn online survey investigating burnout, psychosocial, and work-related factors affecting pharmacists during COVID-19 was distributed to a convenience sample of pharmacists practising in Australia during April and June 2020. The survey was distributed via social media and professional organisations. This study was a thematic analysis of the free-text question of the survey that asked participants to provide comment on anything they considered important. The job demands-resources framework of burnout was applied to the themes.ResultsOf 647 total survey responses, 215 (33.2%) participants responded to the free text question. Thematic analysis explored the increase in demands on pharmacists with a decreased availability of resources during COVID-19. Themes associated with high demands included an increased workload, provision of education and support to the community, taking on roles traditionally performed by others, managing medication and stock supply issues, and poor consumer behaviour. Themes representing resources, which were inadequate, included feeling supported by management and colleagues, feeling adequately trained, receiving clear and consistent communication, feeling valued and appreciated, personal safety, and recovery time.ConclusionsPharmacists have experienced increased demands and reduced resources during COVID-19 which is associated with burnout. Knowledge of these demands and resources can inform interventions at an individual, workplace, and external level. Recommendations made in this paper are aimed at increasing resources available to pharmacists.     

Use of the job demands-resource model to understand community pharmacists’ burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst playing a vital role in medication supply and patient education, exposure to the pandemic demands and prolonged stressors increase their risk of burnout.ObjectivesUsing the Job Demands-Resources model, this study aims to understand the factors that led to community pharmacists’ burnout and to identify their coping strategies and perceived recommendations on interventions to mitigate burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological approach was used with focus groups and interviews of community pharmacists in Qatar who were recruited using purposeful, convenience, and snowballing sampling methods. Interviews were conducted between February and April 2021, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using thematic analysis methodology, manual inductive and deductive (based on the model) codes from the interviews were used for synthesis of themes. 11 themes emerged from six focus groups, six dyadic interviews and mini focus groups, and four individual interviews with community pharmacists.ResultsThe contributing factors to community pharmacists’ burnout have been identified as practical job demands, and emotional demands including fear of infection. On the other hand, government and workplace-specific resources, personal characteristics such as resiliency and optimism, as well as the implementation of coping strategies, have reduced their stress and burnout.ConclusionsThe use of the Job Demands-Resources model was appropriate to identify the contributing factors to community pharmacists’ burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these factors, individual, organizational, and national strategies can be implemented to mitigate burnout in community pharmacists during the pandemic and future emergencies.     

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in community pharmacists: A longitudinal study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively affected the mental health of frontline health care workers, including pharmacists.ObjectivesThe aim of this longitudinal study was to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in French owner community pharmacists.MethodsWe conducted a postal-based survey to assess the psychological difficulties of the COVID-19 outbreak in French owner community pharmacists based on 3 psychologically validated self-report questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Impact of Event Scale-revised (IES-R), and Maslach Burnout Inventory. The baseline assessment was during the first sanitary lockdown period and the second one 5 months later.ResultsThe sample consists of 135 owner community pharmacists. At follow-up, 67 answered the questionnaires (response rate: 49.6%). The mean scores of the PSS and IES-R significantly decreased (P = 0.002). Fifteen pharmacists reported significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (23.1%) at baseline and 11 at follow-up (16.4%, P = 0.02). Age and sex were not significantly associated with persistent posttraumatic stress or burnout symptoms.ConclusionThis is the first longitudinal study that showed the psychological impact of owner community pharmacists as health care workers dealing with their community’s COVID-19 outbreak. Based on validated self-report questionnaires, stress, posttraumatic stress, and burnout symptoms decreased during follow-up. It is necessary to continue monitoring psychological difficulties for health care workers, especially during consecutive waves of the COVID-19 outbreak.     

Impact on mental health of the COVID-19 outbreak among community pharmacists during the sanitary lockdown period

ObjectivesCOVID-19 outbreak can impact mental health including health care workers. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 in French community pharmacists.Material and methodsWe carried out a postal-based survey to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 in French owner community pharmacists based on three validated self-report questionnaires: Perceived Stress scale, Impact of Event Scale-revised and Maslach Burnout Inventory.ResultsThe sample consists of 135 community pharmacists. Twenty-three pharmacists reported significant post-traumatic stress symptoms (17%). High burnout symptoms were found in 33 (25%), 46 (34.9%) and 4 (3%) participants. Females scored higher than males for all questionnaires (P = 0.01).ConclusionsThis study is the first study which showed the psychological impact of COVID-19 in community pharmacists. Based on validated self-report questionnaires, up to 35% of pharmacists reported psychological disturbances. Interventions to promote psychological well-being of healthcare workers need to be developing.     

Community pharmacists�� burnout levels and related factors: an example from Turkey

Objective To determine community pharmacists?? burnout levels and prevalences as well as factors associated with burnout. Setting Study was conducted in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Method In this cross-sectional study, 251 pharmacists were randomly selected from 1,504 community pharmacists registered in Ankara Chamber of Pharmacists. A questionnaire including questions related to pharmacists?? individual and professional characteristics and Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered. The data was collected between February 27 and May 25, 2007. Main outcome measure Three Maslach Burnout Inventory subscales (emotional exhaustion-EE, depersonalization-D, and personal accomplishment-PA) scores. Results Pharmacists?? mean emotional exhaustion score was found to be 16.84 (SD: 6.25), depersonalization score was 4 (Range: 0?C14), and personal accomplishment score was 22 (Range: 9?C32). Of the pharmacists, 1.2% had high level of EE, .8% had high level of D, and 71.3% had high level of inefficacy. Age, marital status, work experience, work contentment, workload, time pressure, stress, and satisfaction with customers were found to be related with pharmacists?? burnout levels. Conclusion It can be useful to monitor pharmacists?? burnout levels and prevalences periodically. Interventions on individual and organizational basis were needed to cope with burnout, respond to job demands, minimize the level of chronic stress, and increase work contentment and satisfaction.     

Community pharmacists' exposure to COVID-19

IntroductionSince the beginning of the 2020 Sars-CoV-2 Italian outbreak, healthcare workers have been among the most exposed categories. There is little information about community pharmacists’ on occupational exposure, symptoms development, and testing practices in the community pharmacist cohort.MethodsBetween April 30th and May 10th, a questionnaire was administered through social media to Italian community pharmacists. From 67000 pharmacists currently working in community pharmacies, 1632 answered the survey.ResultsThe survey population reflected the general Italian community pharmacists population in terms of age, gender, and number of co-workers. Protective measures were adopted in up to 99.9% of pharmacies. 624 pharmacists (38.2%) developed at least one COVID-19 related symptom in the period between February 28th and May 10th. Also, 102 pharmacists (6.2%) were tested for COVID-19 and 15, the 15% of the tested population and 0.92% of the whole survey population, resulted positive on nasopharyngeal swab. However, while the number of symptomatic pharmacists decreased, a higher number of tests were performed, thus COVID-19 prevalence among community pharmacists could have been underestimated and is probably intermediate between other healthcare workers and the general population (0.31%).ConclusionCommunity pharmacists have probably been one of the first categories to experience increased contact risk to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 prevalence among pharmacists could have been underestimated. In addition, the rates of protection measures adoption might have helped to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among co-workers and the community.     

Pharmacists’ role,work practices,and safety measures against COVID-19: A comparative study

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a great challenge to health systems and their most accessible assets—community pharmacies. Pharmacists faced many challenges such as incorporating safety measures, changes in working schedule and workload, and meeting specific patients’ needs.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore and compare the community pharmacists’ roles, practices, implemented safety measures, and psychological toll in Croatia and Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study employing an online survey was conducted in 2 countries over a period of 6 weeks during 2020. The survey consisted of 65 items that explored sociodemographic characteristics of participants and their workplaces, including safety measures, pharmaceutical care, and their psychology while working during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsIn total, 574 pharmacists participated in the study, of which, 90% were female, with a mean age of 38 years (interquartile range 30.5–47). The study identified new pharmacists’ roles that evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic: manufacturing hand sanitizers in community pharmacies, online patient counseling, and home delivery of medicines. Croatian and Serbian pharmacists exhibited disparities in their incorporated safety measures (higher for Croatia; P ≤ 0.001) and satisfaction with work organization and counseling activities (higher for Serbia; P < 0.001). Serbian participants were less satisfied with the public perception of their role during the pandemic, and overall satisfaction was low, with a negative impact on mood and productivity.ConclusionsThe study revealed the implications for community pharmacists during the pandemic in both countries. The extent of systematic and logistical support provided to them during the pandemic could be an explanation for the highlighted differences. It is imperative to develop a more effective strategy to counter potential health crises to ensure a better response from primary care pharmacists in the future.     

Hospital pharmacists’ pharmaceutical care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19: Recommendations and guidance from clinical experience

ObjectiveTo discuss hospital pharmacists’ role in providing pharmaceutical care for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to promote patient care and management during the pandemic.MethodBased on the method of evidence-based pharmacy, clinical evidence of therapeutical drugs for COVID-19 were retrieved and summarized. Based on clinical experience Chinese hospital pharmacists gained from providing pharmaceutical care services during COVID-19 pandemic, taking COVID-19 hospitalized patients’ needs into consideration, the methods and strategies hospital pharmacists shall use to provide pharmaceutical care were analyzed and summarized.ResultsHospital pharmacists shall support pharmaceutical care services by participating in making evidence-based decisions for medication, monitoring and evaluation of medication safety and efficacy, providing strengthened care for special population and patients with combined underlying diseases, monitoring and management of convalescent plasma therapy, providing emotional counselling and psychological support, and providing scientific information about COVID-19 vaccines.ConclusionThe need of pharmaceutical care services in COVID-19 hospitalized patients during this pandemic was quite distinguished from the past. Hospital pharmacists shall join the collaborative multidisciplinary team to improve COVID-19 patients’ outcome and reduce mortality, and to facilitate the pandemic control.     

Alaska pharmacists: First responders to the pandemic in the last frontier

BackgroundPharmacists are among the nation’s most accessible and underused health professionals. Within their scope of practice, pharmacists can prescribe and administer vaccines, conduct point-of-care testing, and address drug shortages through therapeutic substitutions.ObjectivesTo better use pharmacists as first responders to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we conducted a needs and capacity assessment to (1) determine individual commitment to provide COVID-19 testing and management services, (2) identify resources required to provide these services, and (3) help prioritize unmet community needs that could be addressed by pharmacists.MethodsIn March 2020, pharmacists and student pharmacists within the Alaska Pharmacist Association worked to tailor, administer, and evaluate results from a 10-question survey, including demographics (respondent name, ZIP Code, cell phone, and alternate e-mail). The survey was developed on the basis of published COVID-19 guidelines, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 screening and management guidelines, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy guidance, and joint policy recommendation from pharmacy organizations.ResultsPharmacies are located in the areas of greatest COVID-19 need in Alaska. Pharmacists are willing and interested in providing support. Approximately 63% of the pharmacists who completed the survey indicated that they were interested in providing COVID-19 nasal testing, 60% were interested in conducting COVID-19 antibody testing, and 93% were interested in prescribing and administering immunizations for COVID-19, as available. When asked about resources needed to enable pharmacists to prescribe antiviral therapy, 37% of the pharmacists indicated they needed additional education or training, and 39% required access to technology to bill and document provided services.ConclusionThe primary barrier to pharmacists augmenting the current COVID-19 response is an inability to cover the costs of providing these health services. Pharmacists in Alaska are ready to meet COVID-19–related clinical needs if public and private insurers and legislators can help address the barriers to service sustainability.     

Burnout and resilience among pharmacy technicians: A Singapore study

BackgroundBurnout describes emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and low personal achievement caused by work and is known to bring about negative consequences to practitioners, patients, and health systems. Various organizational and personal factors, such as organizational strategies and resilience, have been associated with this phenomenon. However, there is a paucity of data describing the prevalence of burnout among pharmacy staff within Singapore and Asia, especially in the pharmacy technician (PT) population.ObjectivesThis study aimed to (1) quantify burnout in PTs in patient-care sectors in Singapore and (2) explore factors that may be associated with burnout.MethodsA cross-sectional survey among PTs in patient-care areas in Singapore, which includes hospitals, primary and secondary care institutions, and retail pharmacies, across both public and private sectors was conducted from February to April 2020. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey and Brief Resilience Scale were used to assess burnout and resilience among participants. Demographic, employment, and well-being information were also collected and summarized. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess associations between burnout and potential risk and impact factors.ResultsSlightly more than half (52.0%) of PTs reported burnout (EE score ≥27 or DP ≥10 or both). Statistically significant factors associated with burnout include resilience, age, years of experience, ethnicity, marital status, nationality, highest qualifications, pharmacy-related certification, full-time employment status, and work hours. Impact associated with burnout includes intent for job change, job satisfaction, sleep, and presence of mental conditions. Statistically significant reported reasons for burnout and ways to build resilience were also elucidated.ConclusionBurnout affects most PTs in Singapore and is primarily driven by workload and nature of their work, low resilience, and poor social support structures. National and organizational efforts are needed to arrest the vicious cycle that propagates burnout in PTs.     

The voices of community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists have provided health care services uninterruptedly throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, their public health role is often overlooked.ObjectivesThe purpose of this article is to discuss the roles and the coping mechanisms of community pharmacists working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico.MethodsA cross-sectional study, using an electronic survey, was conducted to assess the community pharmacists’ response during the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico. Two open-ended questions explored community pharmacists’ opinions about the pharmacist’s role and coping mechanisms during the pandemic. The responses were analyzed following an inductive thematic analysis. Two major themes emerged from their responses: professional and personal experiences.ResultsOf the 302 participants who completed the survey, 77% of them answered 1 or both open-ended questions. The answers were diverse, and the respondents went beyond the specific topics asked. In professional experiences, important roles as educators and providing continuity of care and emotional support to their patients were highlighted. They also expressed concerns and frustrations on the profession’s shortcomings, feeling overworked yet with a lack of recognition. In personal experiences, most of the respondents were concerned about the impact of having to juggle work and home life. They also reported mental health concerns, expressing feeling stressed, overworked, and worried about the constant risk of exposure and fear of exposing their loved ones.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists in Puerto Rico ensured the continuation of care, provided education, and managed anxious and stressed patients. Most relied on family members to cope with the extra burden that the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of recognition created resentfulness among participants. It is essential to listen to our community pharmacists’ voices to support and respond to their needs and learn from their experiences as frontline health care workers.     

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

BackgroundThe challenges in COVID-19 treatment have driven patients to seek Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for the prevention and/or treatment of the disease. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to promote the effective and safe use of CAM.ObjectiveAssess the beliefs, practices, and knowledge of community pharmacists in Lebanon about existing evidence for the use of CAM for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19.MethodsA national cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon (n = 310 respondents). Participants completed an online questionnaire addressing, in addition to the socio-demographic characteristics; the beliefs, practices, and knowledge of pharmacists regarding the existing evidence of CAM use for COVID-19 prevention and/or treatment.ResultsPharmacists (70%) received frequent inquiries about CAM for COVID-19 prevention or treatment. Only 25.5% of the pharmacists reported having enough time to get information about CAM and COVID-19. Almost all participants believed that pharmacists have a major role in the fight against COVID-19 (98%) and that they have enough information to counsel patients in that regard (75%). For practices, the majority of pharmacists reported counseling their patients on proper use (98%) and possible adverse reactions (93%) of CAM, but only 51% reported toxic or undesirable effects. Regarding knowledge, although most pharmacists answered correctly the questions on the role of CAM in preventing COVID-19, few knew about its role in treating the infection. Pharmacists who trust the WHO website as a credible source had a higher knowledge score (β = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.05–0.986).ConclusionsThe positive beliefs and practices of pharmacists towards CAM during the pandemic were coupled with a few gaps, especially in their knowledge about existing evidence for CAM use. Concerted efforts ought to be dedicated to supporting pharmacists in playing a more prominent role during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Pandemic preparedness of community pharmacies for COVID-19

BackgroundCommunity pharmacies provide an important healthcare service, which is broadly established, and constitutes the preferred and initial contact for members of the community. The significant value of community pharmacies was further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.ObjectiveThe assessment of community pharmacies preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross‐sectional interview survey of 1018 community pharmacies working in four regions of Egypt (South, East, Centre, and North). Data collection was conducted from 8–19 April 2020.ResultsAvailability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medication was better than alcohol (70% conc.). Home delivery services were available in 49.1% of pharmacies. Infection control measures covering interactions between staff were in place in up to 99.5% of pharmacies. Conversely, there was less frequent availability of contactless payment (29.1%), hand sanitizers (62.1%) or masks (86.5%) for customer use, or a separate area for patients with suspected COVID-19 (64%). Verbal customer education (90.4%) was used preferably to written (81.3%). Despite high clinical knowledge and awareness (97.6%–99.2%), only 8.8% of pharmacists had reported suspected COVID-19 cases, however this varied significantly with pharmacist demographics (geographic region P < 0.001; pandemic training p < 0.001; position p = 0.019; age p = 0.046).ConclusionsGovernment and policymakers strive to mitigate the shortage of PPE and medication. More attention should be given to infection control measures around interactions between staff and customers to ensure community pharmacists are fit and able to provide continuity in their important role. Educating customers using regularly-updated posters, banners or signs will contribute to decreasing contact with patients, and reducing the number and duration of visits to the pharmacy. Pandemic preparedness of community pharmacists must also extend to reporting procedures. By avoiding under-reporting or over-reporting, community pharmacists will contribute to accurate monitoring of the national spread of infection.