Qualitative research on the work experience of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19)

OBJECTIVE: To understand the work experiences of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for the novel coronavirus pneumonia in China and provide the basis for work management strategies and psychological interventions in pharmacy for prevention and control of future epidemics. METHODS: Using qualitative research methods, 13 pharmacists who met the inclusion criteria and worked in fever clinics and isolation wards of designated hospitals for novel coronavirus pneumonia attended focus group interviews and semistructured interviews. The Colaizzi analysis method was used for data analysis, summary and induction. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: (1) the roles of pharmacists in fever clinics and isolation wards in epidemic prevention and control, including ensuring the supply of medicines, providing medication guidance for patients, providing medication information for physicians and nurses, and participating in infection control; (2) the difficulties at work, including the lack of office equipment, information equipment and other infrastructure, the difficulty of management of pharmacists in isolation wards, challenging environments, and insufficient attention of hospitals, medical staff, and society to pharmacists; (3) the loopholes in drug management, including the management of special-class drugs and national free AIDS antiviral drugs, and the retrieval of drugs. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists have played an essential role in the fight against the epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China. The themes and experiences identified in this study can offer guidance to the pharmacy society in implementing strategies to prepare for future public health events.