Pharmacy Experts Weigh In On the Impact of COVID-19

Pharmacy Learning Network asked our editorial board and readers to comment on the impact of COVID-19 in the pharmacy industry. Hear from other experts as they discuss current and future implications of this pandemic. 

This page will be updated regularly. Please feel free to share your comments at the bottom of this page in our feedback section. 

"Community pharmacists are recognized as part of the public health network of the U.S.  They are uniquely situated in the community to provide public health services, often 24 hours daily.  Pharmacists can act as information sources that can lead to healthy outcomes, especially in times of crisis.  They can provide health information on the virus, chronic diseases, provide healthy lifestyle recommendations, and act as a referral source for patients to other higher level healthcare facilities.  In some places pharmacists have been authorized to set up mobile pharmacies to assist in public health.  When a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, pharmacists will be central to the administration of the vaccine to the general public.  At a time of the coronavirus pandemic, pharmacists thereby, are central to the public health response team that provide the best possible healthcare to the citizens of the U.S."

—Mark Munger, PharmD, FCCP, FACC, FHFSA, professor of pharmacotherapy, University of Utah

"As state-wide closures continue and resources start to wear thin, the community pharmacies serving on the front-lines will certainly be feeling the impact of COVID-19.  With patients having potentially limited access to medical resources, in-office consultations, or cancellations of elective and non-urgent appointments, patients may need to turn to readily-accessible medical professionals, such as pharmacists, within their community. Although pharmacists can provide many types of consultations and provide medication-related advice on a regular basis outside of a pandemic situation, the need for urgent and accessible resources will become critical for patients seeking symptom relief for illnesses, assistance with acquiring medication refills, and recommendation for more acute and urgent care when a situation seems too severe to be managed at home. Steps are being made in both community pharmacies and managed care organizations to assist in ensuring continuous access to medication during times of quarantine and “social distancing,” such as extending durations of prior authorizations and allowable medications refills, contacting prescriber offices for refills when needed, and waiving copays for certain medications of fees for medication delivery services."

—Ashley N Chiara, PharmD, MBA, clinical consultant pharmacist with Commonwealth Medicine, a division of the University of Massachusetts Medical School

"Undoubtedly, the emergence and rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused fear and worry among all disciplines as the number of confirmed cases continue to climb worldwide. As a pharmacist that works in a hospital, our pharmacy team has been working to keep the pharmacy running while following the CDC recommendations regarding sickness and potential exposure to COVID-19. Pharmacists continue to be at the fore front of this pandemic and can offer their expertise in terms of response planning and coordination, provide infection control guidance, or act as primary healthcare resources in underserved communities. Retail pharmacists are easily accessible and can provide quick guides and updated information about the pandemic while also diligently filling patients’ prescriptions. They will also now have to discover innovative ways to minimize potential spread of the virus during the medication dispensing and delivery process while their stores stay open.

In these times, we also have to identify innovative methods to account for the drug shortages, shortages of ICU beds, ventilators, and masks. Pharmacists are also in a unique position to provide their expertise through local volunteer opportunities at the community and state level. It is imperative that we take good care of ourselves and follow the CDC recommendations to prevent potential spread of the virus even though it seems as though it will get worse before it gets better. Additionally, we should also all follow local and state guidance regarding social distancing, isolation, and quarantine measures. Ultimately, we should all stay informed about the most relevant information as the fluidity of the current pandemic determines our next course of action." 

—Olajumoke Amuwo, PharmD, MPH, general medicine clinical pharmacist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, IL and an assistant professor of clinical sciences at Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy

"Very little has changed at the pharmacy, we are just as busy if not busier than before. We are wearing gloves and masks at the front line and sanitize our work area every 2 hours."

—Steve Moore, Condo Pharmacy

"Without beating a dead horse, the PBM issues are making it harder to care for our patients during this pandemic.  Whether it be DIR fees, formularies requiring brand name inhalers instead of generics, reimbursements below cost for 90 day prescriptions, or any of the other issues cause by these middlemen.  PBMs need to be licensed, regulated, and reined in immediately as they are an impediment to patient care."

—Anonymous 

"The retail setting requires OSHA support. The past two weeks in CVS has been anything but a sterile controlled environment that protects both patients and employees.  Managers should be guiding customers to abide by appropriate social distance. Instead they come in casually shopping because the don't have anything better to do. People are not considerate when handing us paper scripts and pill bottles requiring refills.....they seem to be oblivious to limiting contact with people."

—Anonymous 

"I work for a chain retail pharmacy.  I am very concerned about getting infected.  I am living with my mother who is in her 70's.  I was off of work for a week and went back last weekend. I walked in the pharmacy and there was no spray alcohol available & no sanitizer of any kind. Only soap to wash our hands, but no paper towels.  We are provided no protection against all these people coming in sick. I wish that we could open up drive thru only."

—Anonymous 

"Staffing issues due to school closures and lack of childcare are difficult—we are making it work, but it is challenging. Because of allocations from wholesalers, we are starting to allocate patients—90 day fills turning into filling 30 at a time. Patients wanting to fill early so there is increased time working on overrides.  Patients wanting prescriptions delivered to their car (we do not have a drive through).  Changing procedures to limit transmission - staff instead of patient using signature pad, etc."

—Anonymous 

"All of our employees in the pharmacy are wearing latex gloves during their workday. We are encouraging customers to pay with credit cards during this crisis to prevent spread of germs with cash. We are a compounding pharmacy and made our own hand sanitizers and the customers shared there appreciation through social media. Take time on the phone with nervous customers they will appreciate it."

—Anonymous 

"Everyone wants 90 day supplies. Some want to preemptively have inhalers, hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics on hand. It is tough to balance this instinct with keeping supplies for those who need them now."

—Anonymous