THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON COMMUNITY PHARMACY SERVICES

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effects of Covid-19 pandemic to the pharmaceutical services in community pharmacies in Turkey. Material and Method: This research is a descriptive study. In the study, a quantitative research questionnaire form prepared by the researchers was used. Questionnaires were delivered to the volunteers online. Participants were informed and participated in the study if they gave their consent with an informed consent form. Result and Discussion: It is understood that the community pharmacists in Turkey provide their pharmacy services with great devotion during the pandemic process, but they also cope with many problems. In particular, giving the masks free of charge through community pharmacies increased the workload of pharmacists and caused some disruptions in pharmacy services, in addition, the crowd of the citizens in pharmacies to buy masks increased the risk of social distancing and the possibility of transmission. Major problems faced by community pharmacists during the pandemic;Due to the high demand for personal protective equipment and hygiene materials, the increase in workload, the need for personnel, taking measures with their own means to protect against disease, not delivering drugs and products needed by the society on time, economic and / or social support, especially for the pharmacists have economic problems It is one of the important results of the study that the existence of a national emergency action plan will guide community pharmacists in combating this pandemic of unprecedented magnitude