Understanding mental health challenges of community pharmacists and technicians during COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Background: Deterioration in the mental health of healthcare workers during and after pandemics have been established. Ongoing health worker shortages and burnout previous to COVID19 and the aggressive transmission of the virus has intensified these mental health issues. Community pharmacists and technicians, who serve on the frontline and who are heavily relied upon during pandemics, are no exception. Purpose(s) The purpose of this study is primarily to understand the immensity of the mental health problems faced in community pharmacy settings and highlight the legal and policy structures that may be easing or exacerbating these incidences in the United States of America. Method(s) Exploratory research that includes a rapid review of existing literature, current news articles and professional organisation publications is used to map out the problem. Result(s) Little research has been conducted on the unique role that pharmacists and technicians occupy during a pandemic, and how, if at all, they may experience different types, or severities, of mental health problems. However, technological advancements have allowed for various interventions and resources. Conclusion(s) This research will help to better understand mental health problems faced in community pharmacy settings, highlight available resources, and discern existing legal and policy structures. Moreover, it could be used to guide future studies on how to address and mitigate specific factors that exacerbate the mental health problems and the need for policy changes to accommodate these incidences.