A Study of Attitudes toward Pharmaceutical Care during COVID-19 Pandemic in Tbilisi (Georgia)

Background: After the outbreak of COVID-19 in Georgia, the number of patients visiting pharmacies has increased. It became relevant to research the importance of Pharmaceutical Care inprevention of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to understand the attitudes of patients and physicians regarding the involvement of pharmacists in prevention of COVID-19, after the spring and autumn waves of pandemic; also, what role can pharmacists take in the future and whether they can transfer Good Pharmaceutical Practice (GPP) to Georgia. Study also tried to capture overall attitudes towards involving pharmacists in healthcare projects such as population rapid testing and vaccinations. Methods: 522 patients, 1289 pharmacists, and 200 physicians were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward pharmaceutical care during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The study found that 82.2% of surveyed patients who visited pharmacy during pandemic bought medication and COVID-19 preventive items (face mask, disinfectants, etc.). Out of the surveyed participants, 66.9% of patients and 77.1% of pharmacists believe that recommendations given by pharmacists play an important role in the prevention of COVID-19. Study also revealed that 76.6% of pharmacists and 79.3% of patients agree with the statement, the pharmacist should be able to decide whether to choose over-the-counter medications for a patient or refer the patient to a physician. 91.8% of patients and 78.3% of pharmacists believe that during a pandemic pharmacist should provide patients who visit pharmacies with complaints of flu, cold, and fever with Pharmaceutical Care; which is agreed by 41.7% of physicians. 63.1% of patients, 52% of pharmacists, and 45% of physicians have a positive attitude towards administering rapid testing of COVID-19 by pharmacists. The desire for pharmacists to be involved in vaccination was expressed most in patients (43.6%), followed by pharmacists (38.7%), and physicians (36.7%). Conclusions: The study showed similar attitudes of patients and pharmacists - Pharmaceutical Care plays an important role in pandemic prevention. The attitude of patients and pharmacists is positive regarding administering Pharmaceutical Care for patients who come in pharmacies with symptoms of flu and cold. Physicians had more cautious attitude towards the issue, indicating that they may see risks of spreading the virus and aggravating patients' conditions. Most patients who participated in the study believe that pharmacists should be involved in pandemic prevention activities – COVID-19 tests and vaccinations. It is recommended that Georgian healthcare system develops projects that support collaboration of medical professionals and bring us closer to Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP). Training of pharmacists along with physicians in scope of pandemic prevention projects should be planned.