Provision of community pharmacy services during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross sectional study of community pharmacists’ experiences with preventative measures and sources of information

Abstract

Background An infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus (later called COVID-19) reached pandemic levels in 2020 and community pharmacists were involved in responding to this pandemic, also in Kosovo. Objectives To explore the experiences of community pharmacists in relation to provision of community pharmacy services during COVID-19 pandemic. Setting Community pharmacists in Kosovo. Methods This was a cross-sectional study where data was collected via a selfadministered online questionnaire, from 264 pharmacists actively practicing in Kosovo during the pandemic. The questionnaire consisted of a combination of closed and open-ended questions, optional statements and statements on a five-point Likert scale, derived at least in part from the Transtheoretical Model. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze differences in responses to Likert-type items whereas categorical variables were analyzed using Chi square testing. Main outcome measures Community pharmacists' perceptions on COVID-19 related preventative measures. Results A response rate of 40.6% was achieved. Sufficient and adequate COVID-19-related preventative measures were being implemented by a majority of pharmacies (n = 232; 87.9%), and over two-thirds of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that their pharmacies were sufficiently prepared with protective equipment for their personnel. Implementation of preventative measures was associated with respondents' perception that pharmacists and the pharmacy profession were valued more by patients during the pandemic and to a lesser degree, by other health professionals. Most commonly stated pros dealt with employee and patient safety, while key cons dealt with increased costs and running out of the necessary protective equipment. Key barriers to pharmacy activities were price increases by wholesalers, and patients' panic and excessive buying, whereas drivers dealt with professional obligation to assist and opportunity to prove inseparable to other health professionals. The most popular means of accessing COVID-19 related information by pharmacists was via mobile devices and information from professional organizations was considered most useful by pharmacists. Conclusions Community pharmacies actively implemented various measures as precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Our findings highlight the value of continuous provision of information by professional organizations and use of mobile devices as key means to access information by pharmacists.

Provision of clinical pharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of pharmacists from 16 European countries

“…A previous study in Kosovo involving community pharmacists reported that implementation of preventative measures was associated with respondents’ perception that pharmacists and the pharmacy profession were valued more by patients and other health professionals. 23 However, pharmacies received no external funding support to adopt such preventative measures, similar to the experiences faced by our study participants. Key barriers to pharmacy activities included the requirements to restructure the physical environment to ensure social distancing.…”

The Role of Hospital and Community Pharmacists in the Management of COVID-19: Towards an Expanded Definition of the Roles, Responsibilities, and Duties of the Pharmacist

“…According to a cross-sectional study carried out by Hoti and colleagues [ 38 ], slightly less than 90% of community pharmacists have a sufficient and adequate knowledge of COVID-19-related preventative measures and correctly implement them. Most pharmacists utilize mobile devices to access COVID-19 related information and actively counteract the dissemination of misleading information concerning COVID-19.…”

Pharmacy practice research priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic: Recommendations of a panel of experts convened by FIP Pharmacy Practice Research Special Interest Group

“…25 In a study employing the transtheoretical model of change, Hoti et al found pharmacists to outweigh pros versus cons and be in high levels of readiness to engage in risk mitigation strategies related to COVID-19. 26 …”