Knowledge and perceptions of pharmacists’ readiness during coronavirus pandemic: the case of United Arab Emirates

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice

Razan Nassar¹  Iman A. Basheti¹  Mahmoud S. Abu-Samak¹  Rajaa Alqudah¹  Nizar M. Mhaidat²  Sayer Al-Azzam²  Eman Abu-Gharbieh³  Hamzah Alzubaidi⁴ 

[1] Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan;Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan;Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates;Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates;

关键词: Coronavirus;    Pandemics;    Pharmacists;    United Arab Emirates;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s40545-021-00382-z

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWith the outbreak of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), pharmacists play an important role in supporting local health during this emergency.AimTo assess the knowledge and to identify information sources regarding COVID-19 used by pharmacists, to investigate the active and public perceived roles of pharmacists, to explore the role of the pharmacy facilities and health authorities, and to identify barriers that would hinder pharmacists from performing their duties optimally in the United Arab Emirates.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in the UAE during the COVID-19 outbreak, from 18 May to 20 June 2020. A validated online questionnaire addressing participants’ current knowledge about pandemics and COVID-19, source of information, and their perspectives of their role was used. Participants were licensed pharmacists practising in community and hospital pharmacies in UAE, academics, and pharmacy students.ResultsAlmost two-thirds of the participants (71.2%) were aged 18–30 years, with 76.2% females. Only 57.5% of participants believed that they got enough education about pandemics, and 88.3% of them followed on the latest coronavirus updates regarding treatments, and that is mainly from the World Health Organization reports (53.9%), followed by health authorities (44.8%). Two-thirds of participants (69.7%) had good/very good current knowledge regarding COVID-19. Knowledge of pharmacy students compared to pharmacists was significantly higher (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe majority of pharmacists and pharmacy students reported that they have a major role in managing pandemics executed through the community pharmacies and that it is their role to ensure the availability of key medications. Policymakers and health authorities are called upon to train pharmacists in advance of emerging situations, supporting and helping them to optimally fulfill their role.

【 授权许可】

CC BY