Role of Pharmacists as HealthProfessionals during the COVID-19Pandemic – A Cross-Sectional Study fromthe Perspective of Hospital Pharmacists inRiyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aims: Pharmacists are frontline workers available to patients and customers. The purpose
of this study is to assess the role of clinical or infectious disease pharmacists as health professionals during the
Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional face-to-face interviews were
conducted in the Riyadh region, in 2022, using hospital pharmacies over a period of 6 months. Data analysis was
performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 26. Results: This study included
110 pharmacists, with 39% (n = 43) males and 60.1% (n = 67) females. In terms of experience, 20.9% (n = 23)
had 1 year, 60.9% (n = 67) had 5–10 years, and 18.18% (n = 20) had 10–15 years. The pharmacists unanimously
agreed (100%, n = 110) that the COVID-19 pandemic could be prevented or controlled through public education,
advising, and informing. In addition, all pharmacists believed that clinical or infectious disease pharmacists play
a crucial role in advising social distancing and avoiding crowded areas (100%, n = 110), educating the public on
hygiene practices (100%, n = 110), informing about proper coughing and sneezing etiquette (100%, n = 110),
explaining disease transmission (100%, n = 110). Some pharmacists (24.55%, n = 27) also provided home delivery
of medications. Conclusion: According to the findings, all pharmacists agreed that COVID-19 is preventable
and advising, informing, and educating the public helps in preventing COVID-19. The findings conclude that
pharmacists’ roles in Saudi Arabia have expanded beyond dispensing and patient counseling.