Adaptations in the role of pharmacists under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Community pharmacists actively engage in managing the health of local residents, but the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated rapid adaptations in practice activities. Objectives We sought to identify the specific adaptations in practice and the expanded roles of community pharmacists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a systematic review of published studies reporting the tasks of pharmacists in community pharmacies or who were involved in pharmacy practices addressing the pandemic. Two investigators independently searched PubMed (December 2019–January 2022) for eligible articles. We conducted a meta-analysis to measure the frequencies of practical activities by pharmacists in response to COVID-19. Results We identified 30 eligible studies. Meta-analysis of these studies found that the most commonly reported adaptation in pharmacist practice activities was modifying hygiene behaviors, including regular cleaning and disinfection (81.89%), followed by maintaining social distance from staff and clients (76.37%). Educating clients on COVID-19 was reported by 22 studies (72.54%). Telemedicine and home delivery services were provided to clients by 49.03 and 41.98% of pharmacists, respectively. Conclusions The roles of community pharmacists in public health activities have adapted and expanded in response to COVID-19, notably by incorporating public health education activities.

Lived experiences and resilience of hospital pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

“… 44 , 45 Also, a meta-analysis and systematic review in Japan stated that the role of pharmacists had expanded and adapted public health activities as an intervention for COVID-19. 46 …”

Consumption of Non-Prescribed Drugs in Portugal During the Pandemic in 2021

“…In the public health crisis scenario of COVID-19, people were being constrained to stay at home or to work under strict conditions. Without the human contact of health professionals and given prescribed drugs needed (and prescriptions were often obtained from an online or digital prescription), the pharmacist was the closest human contact people could afford, which could motivate people to take OTC drugs [ 10 , 24 ].…”

“…On the other hand, community pharmacies never closed down during the pandemic; they had an essential role in this period, testing and providing hospital drugs to in-home patients. So, the pharmacist was often the closest healthcare professional to whom people could access [ 10 ].…”

Implementation of pharmaceutical preparation management during the covid-19 pandemic: literature review

“…Educating clients about COVID-19 was reported by 22 studies (72.54%). Telemedicine and home delivery services were provided to clients by 49.03 and 41.98% of pharmacists, respectively (Kambayashi et al, 2023). Pharmacies have shifted from product-based and patient-facing to service-based and patient-centric.…”