Safe handling and delivery of biological medications during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

What is known and Objective During the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, there were periods when patients were not able to collect their medications from the hospital. The purpose of this study is to report on our management of the handling and delivery of biological medications to patients during periods of lockdown in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods A descriptive study conducted at our 380‐bed tertiary care hospital. Managing the delivery of the biological medications was organized in six phases: (1) taskforce development, (2) identification of the relevant biological medications, (3) identification of patients, (4) organization of transportation, (5) medication delivery/pickup and (6) locating patients with unidentified addresses. The study was approved by our hospital's Institutional Review Board. Results and discussion Biological medications were delivered to 1235/1373 (90%) patients. This included 1875/2036 (92%) prescriptions. 900 prescriptions were delivered to 570 patients living in 95 cities and villages across the kingdom. 141 patients received 183 prescribed oral biological medications and 477 patients received 787 prescribed parenteral biological medications delivered with temperature control. 224 parenteral biological medication were delivered by car to 116 patients living in less accessible cities in the west of the country. The car deliveries of parenteral biological medications required particularly careful handling, packaging and temperature control. Delivering biological medications to patients during the curfew was a unique experience. However, the approach we have used ensured safe access to medications under appropriate conditions. What is new and Conclusion Delivering biological medications to patients during the lockdown was challenging. With the possibility of a second wave of COVID‐19, hospitals should have a standardized process in‐place for delivering such medications.

SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Food Safety Oversight: Implications in Canada and Coping Strategies

“…The pandemic also had a significant impact on oversight and surveillance of food safety risks [65,66]. While food itself is unlikely to be a source of coronavirus infection, the pandemic altered how public agencies inspect food and facilities, temporarily halting inspections of many facilities.…”