The pivotal role of pharmacists during the 2019 coronavirus pandemic

J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Nov-Dec;60(6):e73-e75. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.05.017. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected over 3 million people worldwide with an estimated mortality rate of 5%. Owing to the diversity of training and the variety of positions within the pharmacy department, pharmacists are uniquely positioned in the hospital setting to play a pivotal role during the pandemic. The purpose of this article is to highlight the experiences and impactful interventions made by pharmacists practicing in a community teaching hospital at the center of the COVID-19 surge in New York City. Although often underrecognized, pharmacists are well-equipped to develop treatment plans based on the evolving literature that positively affect the patient outcomes by responding to inpatient emergencies, and optimizing the medication orders to conserve and maintain a healthy supply of medications for the hospital.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Hospitals, Teaching / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Inpatients
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Pharmacists / organization & administration*
  • Pharmacists / standards
  • Professional Role*
  • SARS-CoV-2