Clinical Pharmacists: An Invaluable Part of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Frontline Response

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy
• Critical Care Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented strain on healthcare systems globally.
• New York State experienced a rapid surge in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections.
• Limited reports exist on the specific contributions of clinical pharmacists during the COVID-19 crisis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the multifaceted role of critical care clinical pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To highlight the essential services provided by pharmacists in managing a public health emergency.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive report of clinical pharmacist activities during the pandemic.
• Analysis of skills and knowledge applied in a large academic medical center.
• Focus on crisis management strategies in a high-demand healthcare environment.

Main Results:

• Clinical pharmacists applied a broad range of skills including clinical expertise, education, and data analysis.
• Pharmacists were crucial in managing surging medication use and addressing manufacturer shortages.
• Health informatics infrastructure and inventory management were key areas of involvement.

Conclusions:

• Critical care clinical pharmacists were indispensable frontline healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Their interventions were essential for ensuring optimal patient care and outcomes.
• The pandemic underscored the expanded role and value of clinical pharmacists in crisis situations.