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Community Pharmacy Practice in Italy during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: Regulatory Changes and a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Seroprevalence

Author

Listed:
  • Francesca Baratta

    (Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Giulio Mario Visentin

    (Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Lorenzo Ravetto Enri

    (Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Marco Parente

    (Turin Pharmacy Owners Association “Federfarma”, Via Sant’Anselmo14, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Irene Pignata

    (Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy)

  • Francesco Venuti

    (Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, C.so Svizzera, 164, 10149 Turin, Italy)

  • Giovanni Di Perri

    (Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, C.so Svizzera, 164, 10149 Turin, Italy
    G.D.P. and P.B. equally contributed to the study.)

  • Paola Brusa

    (Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Via Pietro Giuria 9, 10125 Turin, Italy
    G.D.P. and P.B. equally contributed to the study.)

Abstract

Pharmacists in the community and the essential requirement to safeguard their own health have become fundamental since the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The aims of this paper were (I) to analyze the directives provided to pharmacists in 2020 regarding preventative safety measures to be adopted; (II) to determine the number of pharmacists who came into contact with SARS-CoV-2 in North-West Italy and relate this to the adopted preventative measures. The first aim was pursued by conducting a bibliographic research, consulting the principal regulatory sources. The second one was achieved with an observational study by administering a questionnaire and performing a serological test. The various protection measures imposed by national and regional legislation were analyzed. Two hundred and eighty-six pharmacists (about 8% of the invited ones) responded to the survey. Ten pharmacists reported a positive result to the serological test. Of the subjects who presented a positive result, three declared that they had not used a hand sanitizer, while two stated that they had not scheduled the cleaning and decontamination of surfaces. Two interviewees had not set up a system of quota restrictions on admissions. In four cases, a certified cleaning company had decontaminated the premises. The results of our study show that during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the most pressing challenge for community pharmacists has been the protection of staff and clients inside the pharmacy; the challenge to be faced in the near future will probably be the management of new responsibilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Baratta & Giulio Mario Visentin & Lorenzo Ravetto Enri & Marco Parente & Irene Pignata & Francesco Venuti & Giovanni Di Perri & Paola Brusa, 2021. "Community Pharmacy Practice in Italy during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: Regulatory Changes and a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Seroprevalence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2302-:d:506407
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Francesca Baratta & Michele Ciccolella & Paola Brusa, 2021. "The Relationship between Customers and Community Pharmacies during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: A Survey from Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Francesca Baratta & Elena Folpini & Michele Ciccolella & Paola Brusa, 2023. "Patient Care in Community Pharmacies during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: Effectiveness of Post-Graduate Education and Further Training Courses on Revenues," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-8, February.
    3. Cobelli, Nicola & Cassia, Fabio & Zardini, Alessandro & Kuppelwieser, Volker G., 2024. "Pharmacies providing health services: Attitudes toward eHealth in Italy," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    4. Baratta, Francesca & Enri, Lorenzo Ravetto & Brusa, Paola, 2023. "Community pharmacists as vaccinators in the Italian SARS-CoV-2 immunization campaign: implications beyond the pandemic," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    5. Steliana Ghibu & Anca Maria Juncan & Luca Liviu Rus & Adina Frum & Carmen Maximiliana Dobrea & Adriana Aurelia Chiş & Felicia Gabriela Gligor & Claudiu Morgovan, 2021. "The Particularities of Pharmaceutical Care in Improving Public Health Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-20, September.

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