Pharmacy Leadership Amid the Pandemic: Maintaining Patient Safety During Uncertain Times

• Published in: Hospital pharmacy (Philadelphia) Vol. 57; no. 3; pp. 323 - 328
• Main Authors: Derrong Lin, Irene, Hertig, John B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.06.2022
• Subjects: Director’s Forum; management; medication safety; education
• ISSN: 0018-5787; 1945-1253
• DOI: 10.1177/00185787211037545

The relentless surges of global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections that caused the Covid-19 disease had pressured researchers and regulators to develop effective treatments quickly. While studying these therapies amid the pandemic, threats to patient care were reported, including (1) maintaining adequate safeguards as clinical effectiveness and safety data evolves, (2) risks from online counterfeit medications, and (3) disruption of the global pharmaceutical supply chain. This article discusses these patient safety threats and suggests strategies that promote patient safety, foster medication intelligence, and mitigate drug shortages. As the world continues to develop safe and effective treatments for Covid-19, patient safety is paramount. In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm, leaders must establish effective approaches to improve medication safety during the pandemic. Successfully integrating these leadership strategies with current practices allows pharmacy leaders to implement robust systems to reduce errors, prevent harm, and advocate for patient safety.