Sidra Pharmacy's evidence-based approach to meet changing demands on the service: COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Background: From December 2019, the healthcare system as we know it changed, as the WHO declared a worldwide COVID-19 outbreak. Purpose(s) Evidenced-based review of pharmacy emergency major incident plan, alongside internationally recognised policies, with government updates (Ministry of Public Health;2019;ASHP, 2020;GPhC, 2020;Ministry of Public Health;2020);RPS, 2020). Method(s) Pharmacy leadership identified staff who could work remotely, split shifts;receive cross training. The clinical team worked closely with the infectious disease/antimicrobial stewardship team towards devising a clinical plan to manage those under our care. Result(s) Service changes included team members resorted to online or telephone discussions;verification of medication orders took place from home;activation of automation systems;changes to the pharmacy homecare service;communication moved to digital virtual platforms;measures such as the addition of floor markings and medication deliveries to clinics were implemented. Patient education leaflets and social media platforms were utilised to inform patients. Introduction of a drive-through pharmacy collection service, home delivery services, online medication request services, along with expansion of the telephone request infrastructure. Tailored 'ABC' analysis were performed to identify 'valuable' medicine. Non-formulary stocks were distributed to all patients, to prevent any panic or assumption about shortage. All 2021 medication supply plan was booked with manufacturers. The Pharmacy Director was able to create new 'just-in time' delivery channels. Conclusion(s) It is important to reach out to approved evidenced-based guidance, and services must change in order to maintain high level patient care within a crisis. The question now arises-iIs there a need for further improvement?'.