Characterisation of professional pharmacy association resources and recommendations on COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Background: As one of the most accessible healthcare workers, pharmacists are at the frontlines during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional pharmacy associations provide resources and recommendations for pharmacists on COVID-19. Yet, the extent and repository of resources are currently not categorised. Purpose(s) To identify COVID-19 resources for pharmacists provided by associations in the United States of America and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and characterise these resources to better serve pharmacists' needs to combat the pandemic. Method(s) A review of 17 pharmacy association websites was conducted to identify available resources. Search terms included 'resource, policy and recommendation'. Specific criteria were applied to categorise results in six areas. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Result(s) Of the 16 US pharmacy associations and the FIP websites, 94% provided COVID-19 resources, 53% developed policies, and 94% had specific recommendations. Those were characterised into 6 types of recommendations, including 94% on general recommendations, 65% on education/training, 53% on supply chain management/drug shortages, 47% on guidelines/protocols, 71% on scope of practice, and 24% on the emergence of tele-health. Conclusion(s) Whilst the majority of associations provide COVID-19 related resources on general recommendations, scope of practice, and education/training, there are opportunities for more specific areas on guidelines/protocols and telehealth. With the dynamic nature of COVID-19, it is important for pharmacists to stay updated to provide optimal care for diverse patients and populations while combating the current pandemic and beyond.