Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2021
ReviewEvidence-based treatment during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Identifying the knowns and unknowns of nebulization.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus 19 (COVID-19), has resulted in a worldwide pandemic and currently represents a major public health issue. Among the considerations for patients with respiratory disease is the optimal delivery of inhaled bronchodilators to maximize patient care. Despite the lack of evidence, there is heightened concern about the potential risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the form of aerosolized respiratory droplets during the nebulized treatment of patients with COVID-19. In this commentary, the lack of evidence regarding nebulization and transmission of coronaviruses are discussed.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2021
Pharmacists' response during a pandemic: A survey on readiness to test during COVID-19.
Testing is a principle component to reopening society and bringing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to an end. Pharmacists have the ability to perform certain point-of-care tests under federal regulations. On April 8, 2020, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health issued new guidance authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests. ⋯ Expanding the pool of health care providers who can perform testing is critical to achieving and sustaining proposed testing thresholds. Rhode Island pharmacists are willing to take part in performing COVID-19 testing provided appropriate PPE is available and services are reimbursed. Pharmacists are the most accessible and essential health care providers willing to take on critically important roles during the COVID-19 pandemic provided appropriate safety measures can be met.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2021
The pharmacist's active role in combating COVID-19 medication misinformation.
Pharmacists listen to and dispel medication misinformation daily. Because of their accessibility, pharmacists have the opportunity during pharmacist-patient interactions to begin a dialogue with their patients and provide critical education to improve patient safety and public health. Current examples of pharmacists intervening with medication misinformation include addressing the antivaccination community, educating on the safety of generic drugs, and using evidence-based medicine for antimicrobial stewardship. ⋯ Pharmacists can help patients recognize misinformation by vetting sources of information and communicating how negative emotional information circulates. In addition, pharmacists combat misinformation with patients by providing accurate alternative explanations in patient-friendly language. Although it is easier to stay silent and let misinformation circulate, pharmacists must work with their health care team members to actively reject misinformation pertaining to medications, COVID-19 pharmacotherapy and vaccinations, and in any future public health crisis.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Jan 2021
Effect of drug disposal bag provision on families' disposal of children's unused opioids.
One strategy to combat opioid misuse is to remove excess opioids from circulation by providing patients with drug disposal products that enable the safe disposal of opioids. We aimed to evaluate opioid use and disposal of unused opioids among children and young adults before and after pharmacy staff at our institution began to provide patients and families filling opioid prescriptions with a drug disposal bag. ⋯ Providing a drug disposal bag to families of children receiving opioids increases the likelihood of excess opioid disposal. Greater availability of drug disposal products can complement prescribing reduction efforts aimed at decreasing prescription opioid misuse.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Jan 2021
Managing medication supply chains: Lessons learned from Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic and preparedness planning for the future.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed unprecedented challenges for nations worldwide, among which medication shortages can cause a devastatingly negative impact on global health. Using Taiwan as an example, this report describes the sources of potential medication shortages, discusses the preparedness and contingency strategies to address medication shortages, and outlines the evidence-based recommendations on ensuring a stable medication supply and improving the quality and security of medicines. Many drug shortages have focused on shortfalls of overseas manufacturing, but the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on misallocation of medications within the nation's internal supply chains is also a great concern. ⋯ Strategies have been documented and recommended in Taiwan and the United States to mitigate drug shortages and ensure the long-term quality and security of medicines. Barriers to accessing medicines are nothing new, but the COVID-19 pandemic poses urgent and even novel challenges to the stability and integrity of medication supply, which urges for a need to reconsider and reinforce effective management strategies for pharmaceuticals. Active management, transparent information, and timely communications are essential to ensure a stable supply of key therapeutic medications, especially during a pandemic.