Journal of the American Pharmacists Association
Science and PracticeResearch NotesAlaska pharmacists: First responders to the pandemic in the last frontier
Section snippets
Background
There are many coronaviruses, common in people and animals. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the new coronavirus virus responsible for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 symptoms range from mild respiratory illness to severe life-threatening disease and multiorgan failure. COVID-19 has caused a significant strain on the global economy and health care systems, foreign and domestic. Although the availability of antibody testing has continued to increase, many testing
Objectives
To better estimate the capacity to use pharmacists as first responders to COVID-19, we conducted a quick (5-minute survey) needs assessment to (1) determine individual commitment to provide COVID-19 services, (2) identify resources required to provide these services, and (3) help prioritize unmet community needs to use and empower pharmacists to more effectively support the COVID-19 response.
Methods
The Alaska Pharmacists Association (AKPhA) represents nearly 300 Alaska pharmacists and technicians. The goal of the AKPhA-supported survey was to assess pharmacists’ interest in supporting COVID-19 response and readiness; identify barriers to immediate and sustained COVID-19 support efforts; and support legislative efforts necessary to expand access to screening, prevention, and treatment efforts across the state.
In March 2020, pharmacists and student pharmacists within AKPhA developed,
Results
Just more than 10% of licensed pharmacists in the state responded to the COVID-19 survey. Of the 63% of pharmacists who reported interest in providing COVID-19 nasal testing, 70% were definitely interested in conducting COVID-19 nasal testing, and 30% were interested in conducting COVID-19 nasal testing if a mechanism for reimbursement for test administration and supplies was established to support sustainability of pharmacists providing the COVID-19 nasal test.
Approximately 60% of the
Discussion
AKPhA members are frontline health care providers caring for diverse patients in a variety of community, long-term care, hospital, and tribal settings, ready to assist during the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, pharmacists within the U. S. Public Health Service (USPHS) have responded alongside local health care providers to meet the needs of the community during a public health emergency. Pharmacists comprise approximately 1250 of the more than 6700 total USPHS members.8 Pharmacists, within
Conclusion
The primary barrier to pharmacists augmenting the current COVID-19 pandemic response is the lack of reimbursement for services provided at the time of this article’s writing, which is necessary to meet the needs of the community and expand services. Alaska pharmacists are ready to meet this clinical need if public and private insurers and legislators can help address the barriers to service sustainability.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Molly Gray, executive director, Alaska Pharmacist Association, for survey deployment to membership and continued support.
Amy K. Paul, PharmD, BCACP, Treasurer and Board of Director Member, Alaska Pharmacist Association, Anchorage, AK; and Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Alaska/Idaho State University, Anchorage, AK
References (11)
Alaska highlights
Adults usual source of care
Key facts about the uninsured population
- et al.
Moving health care into the future: proposal for pharmacist-led refill authorizations
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) update
Cited by (0)
Amy K. Paul, PharmD, BCACP, Treasurer and Board of Director Member, Alaska Pharmacist Association, Anchorage, AK; and Assistant Clinical Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Alaska/Idaho State University, Anchorage, AK
Talethia Bogart, Student Pharmacist, College of Pharmacy, University of Alaska/Idaho State University, Anchorage, AK
Ashley R. Schaber, PharmD, BCPS, MBA, President, Alaska Pharmacist Association, Anchorage, AK; and Commander, U.S. Public Health Service, Anchorage, AK
Della C. Cutchins, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, Commander, U.S. Public Health Service, Anchorage, AK; Past President, Alaska Pharmacist Association, Anchorage, AK
Renee F. Robinson, PharmD, MPH, MSPharm, Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Alaska/Idaho State University, Anchorage, AK
ORCID Amy K. Paul: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1445-9528
Ashley R. Schaber: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8264-5229
Della C. Cutchins: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8673-8468
Renee F. Robinson: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1807-0827
Disclosure: The authors declare no relevant conflicts of interest or financial relationships.