Views & perceptions of community pharmacists in cyprus regarding their new role during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pharmacists are the third largest professional healthcare workforce after doctors and nurses and have played a vital role in the fight against COVID-19. Based on the '7-star' pharmacist and 9 standards, pharmacists are essential frontline carers for the safe and effective care of the public.1,2 Pharmacies have operated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic meeting the needs of the population. They have played an important role during the pandemic in providing advice and education to the public as well as maintaining the supply of medicines.3 In Cyprus, there are 663 registered pharmacies. Aim The aim of the study was to identify how community pharmacists, who are at the frontline of primary care, can support and coordinate the effective and rapid response to reduce coronavirus-related hospitalisation and mortality. Methods This quantitative research study took place in all the provinces of Cyprus. The survey-based questionnaire was designed after an extensive literature search of the published data. It consisted of 18 open and closed questions (multiple choice and Likert scale 1-5) as well as 4 demographic questions. The sampling method of the study falls under snowball sampling. A pilot study was conducted for the validity and reliability of the questions with no further changes. Pharmacists were approached via email by the Cyprus Pharmaceutical Association. The questionnaires were distributed electronically via the university’s platform (Moodle). The participation was anonymous and on a voluntary basis. Prior to data collection, all documentation was ethically approved by the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee. Results In total, 71 pharmacists responded to the study. Of those, 53.5% (n=38) were females and 46.5% (n=33) males. Pharmacists characterise their daily relationship/communication with the public as excellent/good (n=42, 58.65%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than half (n=49, 69%) stated that the most common way of communicating with the public during the pandemic was face-to-face. Pharmacists seemed to be confident in providing advice related to COVID-19 as most of them (n=64, 90.2%) strongly agreed/agreed that they are in a position and have sufficient knowledge to provide coronavirus prevention advice to the public. Additionally, an equal number of respondents strongly agreed/agreed (n=24, 33.8%) and strongly disagreed/disagreed (n=24, 33.8%) that the public perception regarding the pharmacy profession has changed for the better during the pandemic. More than half of the participants reported that their role as a pharmacist had been upgraded during the pandemic from a drug distribution centre to a primary care, prevention, and public information centre (n=36, 50.7% strongly agreed/agreed). Discussion/Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring pharmacists’ perceptions and views about their role during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study’s limitations included the small sample size which may not lead to generalisation of the results and the short data collection period Pharmacists are at the heart of the healthcare system, and they play an essential role in individuals’ healthcare, education, and counselling. Pharmacists in Cyprus should be proud of their strong role and strength during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be such an integral part of the healthcare system.