American Pharmacists Association Launches COVID-19 Training Series, Resources

In an effort to help pharmacists stay up-to-date during the quickly evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has announced new training programs and resources on the disease.¹

Pharmacists on the frontlines of the pandemic need to be aware of the latest science and recommendations in order to accurately answer questions from patients, other health care professionals, and pharmacy staff. The new series, titled 15 on COVID-19 Education Series, is designed specifically to provide necessary education about the virus in a series of 15- to 20-minute online episodes, according to a statement.¹

Each episode will cover a single topic and will help pharmacists discern facts from rumors so that they can best care for their patients.¹

Some episodes are already available and others will be available soone. Topics include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with COVID-19, the potential roles of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, and a broad overview of the disease itself.²

The episodes are free for both APhA members and nonmembers, according to a press release.¹

In addition to the online series, APhA has also launched several resources for pharmacists seeking information, including a weekly webinar series for the latest information.¹ The resources include an FAQ page on investigational medications for COVID-19, a fact sheet on commercially available medications being studied for COVID-19, and tips for protecting yourself, patients, and other family members during the outbreak.²

APhA has also released a COVID-19 Specimen Collection Training, which guides pharmacists through the proper collection of nasopharyngeal swabs. The program will be adaptable to other tested methods once they are more widely available, including nasal swabs, oral swabs, fingerstick tests, and others.¹

“We are diligently working on behalf of pharmacists and patients to address the training needs of all as we face unprecedented times,” said APhA Vice President of Professional Education Resources Daniel Zlott, PharmD, BCOP, in a statement. “Pharmacists can assist patients in a number of ways, including helping to increase the number of individuals who are able to be tested for COVID-19 and providing education to patients.”¹

REFERENCES

• APhA Creates COVID-19 Training Programs and Resources for Pharmacists [news release]. PR Newswire; March 31, 2020. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apha-creates-covid-19-training-programs-and-resources-for-pharmacists-301032908.html. Accessed April 6, 2020.
• COVID-19 Resources and Training for You. American Pharmacists Association; Updated March 30, 2020. https://www.pharmacist.com/coronavirus/resources-training. Accessed April 6, 2020.