Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · May 2021
Observational StudyPrevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among North Dakota community pharmacy personnel: A seroprevalence survey.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has disrupted much of the health care system. Despite changes in routine practices, community pharmacists have continuously served their patients throughout the pandemic. Frontline health care workers, including community pharmacy personnel, are at risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2. ⋯ Community pharmacy personnel may be at an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure compared with the general population.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Jul 2021
Outcomes of a college-led community-based influenza vaccine program for underserved New York City communities.
Vaccine-preventable diseases are a major public health issue. Underserved communities are at heightened risk in New York City, where influenza morbidity and mortality remain elevated. Pharmacists and student pharmacists can play important roles in these communities through vaccine-based initiatives. ⋯ Student experiences during interactions with the underserved were enriched, and patients were satisfied with the pharmacist-run initiative. Further expansion of the initiative will be considered.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Nov 2019
Health care practitioner counseling encourages disposal of unused opioid medications.
The objective of this study was to estimate the association between health care practitioner counseling on medication disposal and disposal of unused opioid medications. ⋯ Participants who received counseling on opioid disposal were more likely to have disposed of unused opioid medications. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to counsel patients on opioid disposal and thus must be active in preventing harm and diversion due to improperly stored opioid medications. This study demonstrates the need for enhanced provider education and policy to ensure that patients are adequately counseled on proper opioid disposal.
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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) · Jul 2021
Pharmacists' role, work practices, and safety measures against COVID-19: A comparative study.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a great challenge to health systems and their most accessible assets-community pharmacies. Pharmacists faced many challenges such as incorporating safety measures, changes in working schedule and workload, and meeting specific patients' needs. ⋯ The study revealed the implications for community pharmacists during the pandemic in both countries. The extent of systematic and logistical support provided to them during the pandemic could be an explanation for the highlighted differences. It is imperative to develop a more effective strategy to counter potential health crises to ensure a better response from primary care pharmacists in the future.