Pharmacists will be on the front line as the coronavirus crisis unfolds. Here's the latest advice and developments as they happen from The Pharmaceutical Journal team.
Features
Everything you should know about the coronavirus outbreak
The latest information about the novel coronavirus identified in Wuhan, China, and advice on how pharmacists can help concerned patients and the public.
Ten things pharmacists should know about COVID-19 vaccines
Work towards a COVID-19 vaccine is progressing rapidly and new information is emerging every day. Here we aim to summarise the most important details of COVID-19 vaccine development from a pharmacy perspective.
Everything you need to know about the COVID-19 therapy trials
Researchers around the world are working at record speed to find the best ways to treat and prevent COVID-19, from investigating the possibility of repurposing existing drugs to searching for novel therapies against the virus.
'I could barely function' – the devastating effects of long COVID
Most people recover from COVID-19 within two weeks; however, early figures suggest that around one in seven people have symptoms lasting for at least four weeks, and a smaller proportion are sick for months.
The COVID-19 vaccines being backed by the UK and when we might get them
The UK government has ordered 340 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from several manufacturers, with the hope that at least one will prove successful in large clinical trials over the next few months. However, there are no guarantees and some of the strategies are not without their challenges.
Is pharmacy prepared for a resurgence of COVID-19?
As cases of COVID-19 start to rise again in the UK, what can pharmacy staff do to prepare for a potential second surge of infections?
Infographic
Targeting COVID-19: the drugs being fast-tracked through clinical trials and how they work
The NHS is rapidly enrolling patients into studies as part of a focused international effort to find medicines that will interfere with viral replication or help modulate the immune system response.
The race to stop COVID-19
As a new strain of coronavirus threatens public health systems across the globe, researchers are racing to develop a vaccine.
Learning
Community management of pneumonia and suspected COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of understanding the differences between viral and bacterial pneumonia, and how adult patients can be managed as they recover at home.
How to keep your community pharmacy running during the COVID-19 pandemic
How pharmacists can implement guidance and best practice in response to the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patient and staff safety, as well as the approaches pharmacy teams across the UK are taking in response to the virus.
Careers
'It is difficult witnessing patients fight for their lives' — a day in the life of a critical care pharmacist
Working in critical care can be both physically and emotionally challenging, but being proactive can help ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
Training during a pandemic: tips for new preregistration trainees
Pharmacy professionals share their advice with the new cohort of preregistration pharmacists about to start their training during the COVID-19 pandemic.
'I do not know what to expect' — a day in the life of a pharmacist redeployed owing to COVID-19
Despite having a background in hospital, integrated care pharmacist Shazia Karsan felt an element of anxiety when redeployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘We are at the forefront of COVID-19 research’ — a day in the life of a clinical trials pharmacist
With COVID-19 becoming the number one priority for researchers around the globe, Parham Hashemi describes his role in overseeing the new trials being launched during the pandemic.
Research briefings
Respiratory impairment persists for weeks post-discharge in hospitalised COVID-19 patients
ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine induces immune response and is safe in humans, early trial data suggests
No significant efficacy difference between courses of remdesivir in patients with severe COVID-19
Corticosteroids should be used with caution in patients with COVID-19, researchers say
Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors not linked to COVID-19 severity, researchers conclude
Neurological symptoms common in COVID-19 patients, researchers say
Myocardial injury associated with increased risk of death from COVID-19, research suggests
Unclear if antiretrovirals help against COVID-19, initial assessment concludes
COVID-19 death rate under 1% when unconfirmed cases considered, researchers estimate
Smoking linked to progression of symptoms in COVID-19, study suggests
Editorial
We’re running out of time to tackle COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
The seeds of doubt are being sown before a vaccine has even been approved. It is time to prepare the public for what could be a significant hurdle for any COVID-19 vaccine.
Warm words are not enough for community pharmacySubscription
Community pharmacies have worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic; it is time they were given additional funding to help them prepare for the next wave.
COVID-19 antibody testing not yet a 'game changer'
With doubts around the accuracy of antibody tests and slow progress on point-of-care testing, it is likely we will be waiting some time before we can confidently screen for COVID-19.
It should not have taken another pandemic to highlight BAME health inequalities
The high proportion of people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups dying from COVID-19 has brought health inequalities between ethnic groups to the fore, but this should have been looked into long before the pandemic began.
Insight
Down, but not out: hydroxychloroquine could still have a role against COVID-19
Ongoing research may yet prove that the 4-aminoquinolones are an effective prophylactic medication in those at risk of developing COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the government to allow medicines reuse: we must not waste this opportunity to counter our throwaway cultureSubscription
Fears over drug shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic mean that, in care homes and hospices, costly medicines prescribed but unused by one patient can now be given to another, rather than destroyed. This formerly illegal practice should stay long after we recover from the pandemic, and be extended to other healthcare settings, so we can reap the financial and environmental benefits.
Comment
We must tear down the barriers to equality for BAME communities highlighted by COVID-19Subscription
There are two ways that we can begin to address the long-running health disparities between different ethnic groups, which have been highlighted by the disproportionate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We risk a cardiovascular health crisis if patients stop seeking help when they need it
Footfall in emergency departments across the world has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and experts worry that patients with symptoms are staying at home for fear of burdening their healthcare systems. But preventing serious cardiovascular events is still as important as ever, says cardiology consultant pharmacist Rani Khatib.
There is a vulnerable group we must not leave behind in our response to COVID-19: people who are dependent on illicit drugs
None of us are safe from COVID-19, but the health status, needs and behaviours of those who use illicit drugs leave them particularly vulnerable — pharmacists can reduce this risk, says drugs researcher Amira Guirguis.
Ways to safeguard UK drug supplies during COVID-19 and beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic is stretching the NHS, including its supplies of essential drugs, to the limits. We may need new systems in place to ensure patients never miss out on medicines they need.
Research
Investigational treatments for COVID-19
A review of several of the treatments for COVID-19 currently being trialled.
Q&A
Richard Hobbs: ‘This trial has been a monumental task’
A principal investigator in one of the UK-based COVID-19 treatment trials speaks about his hopes for the study and the controversy surrounding hydroxychloroquine.
Jo Churchill: 'I'm having forceful conversations about new funding for pharmacy'
The pharmacy minister on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health support for pharmacists and what may be the enduring legacy for the sector.
Leyla Hannbeck: ‘COVID-19 has many pharmacies struggling to keep their heads above water’
The chief executive officer of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies speaks about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected pharmacy and the risk of impending closures.
Blogs
I'm an academic pharmacist who retrained to give remote consultations during the pandemic
Pharmacy researcher Zoe Edwards could safely do her university work from home, but she knew there was another way she could help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How fearful medication requests have wreaked havoc on my general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
Medication-related coronavirus media reports and worried patients have put pressure on general practices and local pharmacies, but we must continue to do right by our patients with chronic conditions, or risk ‘playing catch-up’ later on, says clinical pharmacist Danny Bartlett.
They don’t teach you how to cope with wearing your PPE when you burst into tears on the COVID-19 ICU
The pandemic has brought with it a new and overwhelming way of working in intensive care, and it is taking a heavy emotional toll on hospital staff, says clinical pharmacist Sarah Seddon.
How I faced COVID-19 as a critical care pharmacist in one of the UK's worst hit regions
Specialist critical care pharmacist Greg Barton recounts how his unit adapted to new practices and unknowns as cases of coronavirus surged in north west England.
Your RPS
Formal referrals from pharmacy to mental health specialists are needed following COVID-19 pandemic, says RPS
Formal mechanisms for pharmacists to directly refer people to specialist mental health care should be put in place following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The importance of good mentoring, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Mentoring can help pharmacists form strong bonds with colleagues early in their career, with mentors providing both professional and emotional support. But mentors can also benefit from being mentees, as senior members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society explain.
News
UK COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective using one dosage regimen, trial data suggest
The COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Oxford University is up to 90% effective in preventing COVID-19, interim analysis of trial data suggests.
Boots in talks with NHS England on COVID-19 vaccination programme
The UK’s largest pharmacy multiple Boots is “in conversations” with NHS England about how it can help provide COVID-19 vaccines to patients, it has said.
COVID-19 vaccine delivery will need as many community pharmacy vaccinators as possible
Pharmacists in one county say working with GP practices during the COVID-19 pandemic has been ‘difficult’
Public Health England to review guidance against the use of rapid COVID-19 tests in community pharmacies
Community pharmacy teams will be included among frontline healthcare staff vaccinated against COVID-19
Pharmacy negotiator in talks with government on how pharmacists will help deliver a COVID-19 vaccine
Aspirin added to RECOVERY COVID-19 trial, MPs told
Pharmacy delivery service for shielding patients to restart in England
Superdrug relaunches at-home COVID-19 antibody testing service
Regulator ‘following up’ Boots’ provision of rapid point of care COVID-19 antigen test
Reopening Nightingale hospitals will put 'incredible strain' on pharmacy teams, hospital pharmacists warn
Pharmacists able to dispense COVID-19 treatments without a prescription under government protocols
Antivirals have little effect on mortality in patients hospitalised with COVID-19, suggest WHO trial interim results
Hospitalised COVID-19 patients first in UK to receive antibody treatment in RECOVERY trial
Pharmacists able to administer unlicensed COVID-19 vaccines following legislation changes
Researchers to study whether vitamin D offers protection against COVID-19
Warfarin treatment continued in 'small number' of patients after starting on DOACs, MHRA saysSubscription
Pharmacies will ‘struggle’ to serve patients if NHS Test and Trace fails to look at individual cases, warns negotiator
Additional resources
End-of-life care
Anticipatory prescribing practices rapidly changing under COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to innovation in anticipatory prescribing practices within community palliative care, the results of a survey in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care have shown.
Caring for palliative care patients at home: medicines management principles and considerationsSubscription
Pharmacists need to understand the range of medicine support that they and their teams can provide to palliative care patients and their caregivers.
Case-based learning: palliative and end-of-life care in community pharmacySubscription
Community pharmacists encounter patients at all stages in their life; however, patients who require palliative care require dedicated time and special consideration.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patientsSubscription
Pharmacists should note the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s updated guidance on use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in a range of hospitalised patient groups.
Improving and standardising the management of controlled drugsSubscription
Ensuring the safe and effective management of controlled drugs is an important role for pharmacists, particularly in secondary care.
How to provide patients with the right information to make informed decisions
Facilitating anticipatory prescribing in end-of-life careSubscription
Communicating with palliative care patients nearing the end of life, their families and carersSubscription
Mixing medicines: how to ensure patient safetySubscription
Nausea and vomiting in palliative careSubscription
Critical care
Early trial results suggest tocilizumab significantly improves outcomes for critically ill COVID-19 patients
The rheumatoid arthritis drug tocilizumab significantly improves outcomes for critically ill patients with severe COVID-19, early findings from the Randomised, Embedded, Multi-factorial, Adaptive Platform Trial for Community-Acquired Pneumonia have suggested.
Aspirin added to RECOVERY COVID-19 trial, MPs told
Aspirin is the latest drug to be added to the Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy trial, the chair of the trial has told MPs.
Reopening Nightingale hospitals will put 'incredible strain' on pharmacy teams, hospital pharmacists warn
Reopening the Nightingale hospitals will put “incredible strain” on hospital pharmacy teams, the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists has warned.
Antivirals have little effect on mortality in patients hospitalised with COVID-19, suggest WHO trial interim results
Four repurposed antiviral treatments for COVID-19 have little or no effect on mortality in patients who are hospitalised, interim results from the World Health Organization’s Solidarity trial have suggested.
Respiratory impairment persists for weeks post-discharge in hospitalised COVID-19 patients
Many patients who contract COVID-19 have detectable lung dysfunction 12 weeks after hospital discharge, results have suggested.
Pfizer triples manufacture of ventilation drugs during pandemic, UK managing director says
EMA to investigate possible link between remdesivir and acute kidney injury
Patients with severe COVID-19 are 90% more likely to see better outcomes when taking hydrocortisone, finds research
Lopinavir/ritonavir 'not effective' for patients hospitalised with COVID-19, third set of RECOVERY trial results show
The top ten prescribing errors in practice and how to avoid themSubscription
Infection prevention
Ten things pharmacists should know about COVID-19 vaccines
Work towards a COVID-19 vaccine is progressing rapidly and new information is emerging every day. Here we aim to summarise the most important details of COVID-19 vaccine development from a pharmacy perspective.
Pharmacy negotiator in talks with government on how pharmacists will help deliver a COVID-19 vaccine
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has said it is working with NHS England and Improvement and the Department of Health and Social Care to agree how pharmacies can play a part in the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Researchers to study whether vitamin D offers protection against COVID-19
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have launched a clinical trial to investigate whether vitamin D can help protect against COVID-19.
Health professionals delivering unlicensed vaccines need government protection, say health bodies
Health professionals administering unlicensed vaccines must be reassured that they will not be liable for any harm that results, say health bodies.
Boots signs up for asymptomatic COVID-19 testing pilot
Boots is taking part in a pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for people in “high-contact” professions.
Hand hygiene interventions could lower death rates in nursing home residentsSubscription
Diagnosis and management of hospital-acquired pneumonia in older adults Subscription
Principles of initiating antimicrobial therapy and empiric prescribingSubscription
Healthcare-associated infection: best practice in prevention and controlSubscription
Wellbeing
'I could barely function' – the devastating effects of long COVID
Most people recover from COVID-19 within two weeks; however, early figures suggest that around one in seven people have symptoms lasting for at least four weeks, and a smaller proportion are sick for months.
Rate of depression in Great Britain doubled during COVID-19 pandemic, ONS figures reveal
The number of adults experiencing some form of depression in Great Britain has doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic, figures from the Office for National Statistics have shown.
Sick from stress: 'presenteeism' in pharmacySubscription
With increasing pressures placed on pharmacy professionals, presenteeism — or working when not fit to do so — is becoming more common. This can have detrimental effects on individuals, their families and patients.
Just talking, itself, is therapeutic
Writing competition 2019
Supporting the supporterSubscription
With ever increasing stressors placed on the healthcare sector, it is important that pharmacy professionals are able to look after their own health and wellbeing. But who can pharmacy professionals turn to when they are the ones in need of support?
