Management of the Covid-19 Health Crisis: A Survey in Swiss Hospital Pharmacies

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of strain on health systems since 2020. A review of the Swiss hospital pharmacies responses during the first wave was performed to improve the quality of the pharmaceutical management of future health crises.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to all head of hospital pharmacies in Switzerland. The questionnaire was organized into eleven clusters of questions and covered many topics regarding the management of the first wave of COVID-19. Data collection was conducted from May to June, 2020.

Results

Analyses were performed with 43 responses (66%) out of 65 questionnaires sent (at least one answer per questionnaire). 41% (17/41) of pharmacies had existing standard operating procedures or pandemic plans and 95% of them (39/41) created a steering committee to manage the crisis. 67% (29/43) created new activities to respond to the specific needs of the crisis. 67% (26/39) created new drug lists for: COVID-19-specific treatments (85% of pharmacies; 22/26), sedatives (81%; 21/26), anaesthetics (77%; 20/26) and antibiotics (73%; 19/26). Drug availability in COVID-19 wards was managed by increasing existing stocks (54% of pharmacies; 22/41) and creating extra storage space (51%; 21/41). Two drugs generated the most concern about shortages: propofol (49% of pharmacies; 19/39) and midazolam (44%; 17/39). Remdesivir stocks even ran out in 26% of pharmacies (10/39). Specific new documents were drafted to respond to medical needs with regards to drug administration (28% of pharmacies; 12/43), drug preparation (28%; 12/43) and treatment choices (23%; 10/43).

Conclusions

Swiss hospital pharmacies encountered many challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis and had to find solutions quickly, effectively and safely. The survey highlights the key role played by Hospital Pharmacy’s in many aspects during the pandemic by providing logistical and clinical support to medical and care teams. The lessons and experiences outlined could be used to improve the quality of the preparation for similar future events.

KEY POINTS

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  The COVID-19 pandemic generated unprecedented global demand for specific drugs, hand sanitizer solution, and other therapeutic products, particularly in critical care settings, highlighting the essential role of hospital pharmacists in such crises.

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  Key COVID-19 responses at the hospital pharmacy level included staff flexibility with regards to changes in roles and procedures, communication, teamwork and solidarity, and the need to prepare business continuity plans and management dashboards ▸ Managing and facing complex pandemic response reveals the importance of involving hospital pharmacists in pandemic response steering committees at many levels. The lived experiences during the pandemic could have been reviewed and evaluated to raise awareness and guide future policy responses for when the next crisis occurs.