The impact of COVID-19 on pharmacy transitions of care services

Abstract

COVID-19 has necessitated alterations to the delivery of healthcare services. Modifications include those made to improve patient and healthcare worker safety such as the use of personal protective equipment. Pharmacy services, specifically pharmacy transitions of care services have not been immune to change which have brought along their own set of unique challenges to consider. This paper discusses how COVID-19 has impacted the delivery of pharmacy transitions of care services with real world examples from Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. Procedures implemented to minimize the spread and contraction of COVID-19 such as minimized patient contact and altered visitor policies have made it more challenging to obtain a best possible medication list the patient was taking prior to arrival to the hospital which has lead to an increased reliance on secondary sources to complete medication histories. Regarding discharge prescriptions, preference has shifted to the use of electronic vs. hard copy prescriptions, mail order, and utilization of med to bed programs and other hospital medication delivery services to limit patient contact in outpatient pharmacies. An improved effort to resolve medication acquisition issues prior to discharge utilizing patient assistance programs and other hospital programs to cover the cost of medications for COVID positive patients under certain circumstances has been seen. This paper highlights the important role pharmacists can play in providing effective communication, supporting continuity of care, and advocating for patient engagement and empowerment during transitions of care in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patients’ Habits and the Role of Pharmacists and Telemedicine as Elements of a Modern Health Care System during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Many patients value the friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge of the pharmacists [ 28 ]. It was clearly demonstrated that the pharmacist interventions were reducing readmissions and supporting patient safety [ 29 , 30 ].…”

Cooperation Between Pharmacists and Physicians – Whether It Was Before and is It Still Ongoing During the Pandemic?

“…12,15,16,[36][37][38][39][40] Pharmacists as primary healthcare providers help them not only with primary health problems but also share reliable information on SARS-CoV-2. 15,37,[40][41][42][43][44] The National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents 21,000 pharmacies in the US, is launching a campaign with the intention of drawing people's attention to unknown heroes. The founders want to make people aware that the community can rely on local pharmacists to gain excellent knowledge, consultation and commitment appropriate for neighbors.…”

Methodological Insights From a Virtual, Team-Based Rapid Qualitative Method Applied to a Study of Providers’ Perspectives of the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Hospital-To-Home Transitions

“…We used virtual technologies and tools for data collection and team-based data analysis. Virtually conducted data collection was necessary for this project which occurred during the pandemic when public health restrictions required social distancing and restricted hospital visitor policies to minimize transmission of the virus ( Herzik & Bethishou, 2021 ; Tang, 2020 ). Virtually conducted data collection and analysis allowed us to collect and analyze data while physically distanced.…”