Provision of Clinical Pharmacy Service May Improve Pharmaceutical Care During COVID-19 pandemic: Clinical Practice Guideline Implementation

Guideline Implementation by Clinical Pharmacists in COVID-19

Abstract

Background: In public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the work strategies of clinical pharmacists need to be modified according to the rapid spread of the disease, where information and resources are constantly changing. The aim of this study was to describe the role of clinical pharmacists in the COVID-19 pandemic by the implementation of clinical practice guidelines.Methods: This was a prospective study from September 2020 to March 2021 in a COVID-19 center hospital. A clinical pharmacist visited patients in the ICU and internal ward three times per week and delivered Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) on a consultation paper in patient’s files. In October 2021, a consensus regarding the improvement of the rational use of COVID-19 medications and their costs was developed. The high-cost medications were selected based on the hospital information system to evaluate direct medical costs from the provider’s perspective. Results: During six months, in addition to pharmacotherapy consultation for 193 patients, pharmacotherapy evaluation was done 903 times for COVID-19 patients and their medication was also assessed. After implementation of the updated COVID-19 protocol in the hospital, the use of main drugs reduced by 8.950.328.786 IRR equivalent to 21,317 USD based on reference currency within two months.Conclusion: The participation of a clinical pharmacist in a COVID-19 center by the implementation of pharmacotherapy guidelines and comprehensive medication management may lead to cost reduction and improved drug safety.