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HOSPITAL PHARMACY MEDICATION DELIVERY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

European Statement

Selection, Procurement and Distribution

Author(s)

Andreia Fernandes, Mafalda Brito, Tatiana Mendes, Armando Alcobia

Why was it done?

Many patients had their health care needs compromised due to accessibility issues. They could not come to the PS because of the mandatory confinement, prophylactic isolation and medical indication.

What was done?

In the context of the Covid 19 pandemic, between April and June 2020, pharmaceutical Services (PS) instituted several alternatives delivery processes that guaranteed patients’ access to the medication, usually provided on the PS.

How was it done?

Pre-existing accessibility projects to deliver medication in community and hospital pharmacies have been adopted. In order to respond to all requests, new ways and protocols of medication distribution/delivery, like city hall transport, courier services and humanitarian aid (for example, motards), were created. For all deliveries outside PS, pharmaceutical telephone follow-up (teleconsultation) was realized.

What has been achieved?

7448 medication dispensations were registered, of which 80.7% were realized in person in the hospital PS (n = 6679). In the homolog period, 10621 dispensations were registered, of which 95.9% were in person (n = 10183).
438 deliveries were sent to community pharmacies, a total of 219 patients (54.3% female, maximum age 100, minimum 9 years). 41% increase compared to 2019. 198 shipments were realized to different hospitals and others healthcare units, corresponding to 120 patients (56 female, maximum age 85, minimum 8 years). 25% increase over the previous year.
New alternatives: City Hall 66 deliveries for 62 patients (58.0% female, minimum age 18, maximum 97 years), other deliveries 35 users (50.7% male, maximum age 94 and minimum age 10 years).

What next?

The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a need for adaptive evolution of pre-existing accessibility projects, but also the creation of new protocols and alternative means to respond to all patients who may have their healthcare compromised due to accessibility issues. The positive points were the implementation speed, maintenance of adherence to therapy (teleconsultation), traceability, reduced costs, synergy between patients/associations/pharmacists/healthcare professionals and a high degree of satisfaction. In spite of some limitations (dependent on volunteering; need for human resources; structured communication) we aspire to improve the new approaches of medication delivery on a nation level.

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