Processes implemented and activities carried out by the pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify and summarize the processes implemented and the activities performed by community and hospital-based pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A scoping review was carried out of the PubMed/Medline database with the aim of identifying articles published until 30 June 2021. The PRISMA recommendations for this type of review were followed. The articles included were reviewed and classified according to their main characteristics and outcomes, according to population, concept and context. The processes and activities identified were grouped into three categories: those performed in community and hospital pharmacies, those performed essentially in community pharmacies, and those performed essentially in hospital pharmacies. Results: A total of 629 articles were identified, of which 454 were excluded because they were unrelated to the object of the review and 81 due to meeting the exclusion criteria. So, 94 articles were included in the analysis. Most studies were conducted in Europe and the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the processes implemented and the activities carried out in both community and hospital-based pharmacies included pharmaceutical care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education, psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy. Processes implemented and activities carried out essentially in community pharmacies were those related to the detection and referral of COVID-19 patients, testing and immunization, home care recommendations, and drug indications. Finally, processes and activities essentially occurring in hospital pharmacies included those related to participation in drug treatment research, drug evaluation and guidelines development, and to managing off-label drugs. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 crisis, pharmacists have led and implemented processes aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on the population's health. Pharmaceutical care, efficient and timely management of services, information and education, psychological support, pharmacovigilance and telepharmacy, both in community and hospital pharmacies, are the main processes implemented by pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. These processes and activities, in addition to contributing to the control, prevention and effective and safe treatment of COVID-19; have ensured the implementation of biosecurity measures, proper dispensing of medication, the drug rational use, and the provision of evidence-based information and education.