Best practices in community pharmacies during the pandemic
About this good practice
The good practices of pharmacies that most helped in this time of crisis and insecurity were:
1)The delivery of medicines and health products to the home due to the state of alert for the following groups:
- People in a situation of dependency and/or functional autonomy loss who lack a family, social or professional support network
- Persons living alone who are susceptible to complications from possible SARS CoV 2 infection
2)The distribution of free face masks through the agreement with the Xunta. The total of beneficiaries were 717.723.
3) Protocol for detection of SARS CoV 2 virus through self collection ofsaliva samples in the pharmacy office. Thanks to a web tool and a great logistical and distribution effort, it was possible to send them to the reference laboratory and have the results within 24 hours.
4)The issuing of COVID 19 certificates of vaccination, diagnostic tests and recovery.
5)And lastly, Protocol for the performance of rapid self diagnostic for COVID 19 detection sample collection, processing and communication of results from the pharmacy office.
6)Preferential care for people over 75 years old in pharmacies: Fragile,vulnerable and lonely patients, which greatly helped this group, which suffered so much in the pandemic.
7)Campaigns aimed at the population in relation to COVID 19 to promote preventive measures, participation in vaccination and fostering collective responsibility.
Resources needed
The actions, agreements and accords signed in different areas were undertaken by nearly 3.850 community pharmacists who practice in the1.380 pharmacies in Galicia.
Evidence of success
The numbers reflect the great work that was carried out: more than 195,000 samples collected for PCR screening with more than 3,700 positives detected, more than 140,000 self-tests provided and more than 1,100,000 Covid certificates issued.
And most importantly, the proximity and security that these professionals provided to the population, especially the elderly, in a time of such insecurity and uncertainty.
Potential for learning or transfer
It is a practice of regional coverage but easily transferable to other regions.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.