COVID-19 pandemic: The role of community pharmacists in chronic kidney disease management supportive care.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Okoro RN
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7341043 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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COVID-19 pandemic: The role of community pharmacists in chronic kidney disease management supportive care.
Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP 20200708 1
The COVID-19 pandemic is putting enormous pressure on healthcare systems worldwide and various countries are struggling to flatten the curve to prevent their healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. Studies have shown that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality. However, the interruption of routine care and support due to the current challenges with healthcare providers, facilities, and essential medicines due to this pandemic is ad ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundCommunity pharmacists played an essential role in the control and management of the COVID-19 pandemic; both pharmaceutical care and community pharmacists were affected, given that, patients' needs and demands increased due to the fear of lockdowns and shortage of medication throughout the pandemic.ObjectivesThis study was based in Lebanon and aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) pharmacists, including infection rates, pay, and working hours, and (2) pharmacy practice, including medicine and personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages.DesignA cross-sectional study involving 120 community pharmacists was carried out between August and November 2021.MethodsData were collected using an online survey filled out by pharmacists working in Lebanon.ResultsMost participants (71.7%) reported an increase in their income during the pandemic, and 60% reduced their working hours. A significant association was noted between being previously infected and marital status, level of education, work position, and salary of the participants. Most participants (95.8%) encountered a shortage of medications during the pandemic leading to high home storage of medication, searching for other sources of medicines, and decreased patient/pharmacist interactions.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic imposed new challenges on pharmacists and the provision of pharmaceutical care. It affected pharmacists' daily routines, putting them at risk of infection with limited availability of medicines and PPE. This study suggests that establishing effective crisis management plans to increase community pharmacists' resilience during similar outbreaks.
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