Abstract
On the
2nd of March 2020, Saudi Arabia confirmed its first case of the newly emerging
strain of the coronavirus, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ever
Since, the number of confirmed cases nationally started to increase. Saudi
officials took several proactive precautionary measures and actions. In light
of the emerging outbreak, all healthcare professionals, including pharmacists,
came to function at more than their maximum capacity. The Saudi Society of
Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP) understands the magnitude of impact pharmacists can
play during this outbreak. For this reason, the SSCP aims to provide guidance
regarding the pharmacist's roles and responsibilities based on existing
scientific knowledge during this outbreak.
Introduction
In December 2019, an alarming epidemic of
unexplained etiology pneumonia occurred in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) described a novel coronavirus as the
causative agent, which was subsequently named COVID-19. Ever Since the outbreak
started to spread from one country to the other. Due to the alarming number of
infected cases around the world. The WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 can
be characterized as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. Many countries started to take
proactive or reactive actions to prevent the spread of the virus. Like many of
the other countries, SA began to to take proactive measures and actions to
limit the spread of the outbreak. For instance, on 27 February 2020, Saudi
Arabia declared that it will immediately suspend entry for individuals wishing
to conduct the Umrah in Mecca. Moreover, On 8 March, the Saudi Ministry of
Education announced the closing of the schools and universities. On 20 March,
the Ministry of the Interior halted domestic airlines, ships, busses, and taxis
for 14 days. Many other precautionary measures were taken by the Saudi
officials to stop the spread of the COVID-19. All sectors have been impacted by
this outbreak, including the health sectors. Historical evidence showed
that the skills and knowledge
pharmacists have could allow them to play a major role during natural disasters
and outbreaks
These recommendations aim to provide
pharmacists with guidance regarding the pharmacist's roles and responsibilities
based on existing scientific knowledge during this outbreak.
Executive
Summary of the Recommendation (1-2 Paragraphs from 200
to 500 words)
Recommendation
1: We urge pharmacists to take a proactive role in educating others
regarding infection prevention measures.
Description:
During the outbreak[1] , it is crucial that all
pharmacists should ensure the adherence to recommended antimicrobial therapy
practices. Previous evidence shows that pharmacists can play a major role in
correcting the prescribing misbehaviours and educate the healthcare providers
regarding the wise use of antibiotics and infection measures.
Recommendation
2: We urge pharmacists to provide authentic and evidence-based
guidance to patients and healthcare providers. (Hisham)
Description:
Previous [2] evidence shows that pharmacists can take a
proactive role in educating the public and encourage all pharmacists to take
part in educating the public and healthcare providers. During the
outbreak, we encourage all hospital
and community pharmacists to serve as valuable information resource for
patients and other healthcare providers.
Recommendation
3: We urge pharmacists and pharmacy professionals to create
institutional protocols and strategies for symptom management for patients with
minor viral illnesses. (Dr.Ahmed)
Recommendation
4: We urge pharmacists to direct people to reliable resources. (Dr.Ahmed)
Recommendation
5: We urge pharmacists to take an integral part in participating in
institutional and national guidelines dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak,
especially when it comes to the pharmacotherapy part. (Dr.Ahmed)
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30242589
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