Best Practices for Health-System Pharmacy During COVID-19

Health-system pharmacists discuss the role pharmacy played within their health-systems in response to COVID-19, and the impact of COVID-19 on implementation urgency.

Michael Epshteyn, PharmD, MSM, and Estela Trimino, PharmD, BCPS, share what led to automated IV workflow system use and how it aids in pharmacy’s response to COVID-19.

The panel of experts discuss features of IV infusion pumps found to be most beneficial, especially during the pandemic, such as wireless technologies.

Health system pharmacists discuss the impact and management of drug shortages, such as fentanyl, midazolam, and propofol, at their institutions during the pandemic.

Michael Epshteyn, PharmD, MSM, shares benefits and challenges of in-house compounding of IV products at his organization and the technologies involved.

Estela Trimino, PharmD, BCPS, discusses the use and impact of premixed IV solutions and drug reconstitution systems compared to compounded IV products.

Michael Epshteyn, PharmD, MSM, discusses some of the infection control challenges caused by COVID-19, such as the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Estela Trimino, PharmD, BCPS, leads a discussion on changes in barcoding practices to address infection control challenges caused by COVID-19.

Madeline Camejo, PharmD, MS, and Michael Epshteyn, PharmD, MSM, discuss pharmacy’s involvement in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and training pharmacists to be vaccinators.

Madeline Camejo, PharmD, MS, leads discussion on vaccination of health care workers and the strategies implemented at their institutions to accomplish this task.

The experts discuss measures taken by pharmacy to prevent waste of vaccine doses and the education provided to members of the medical staff.

Health system pharmacists discuss challenges with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, such as having multiple vaccine types and lot numbers on hand and appointment no-shows

Madeline Camejo, PharmD, and Estela Trimino, PharmD, BCPS, discuss the emerging role of the pharmacist on the front line of vaccine administration.