Khatiwada Asmita Priyadarshini, Shakya Sujyoti, Shrestha Sunil
Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Service Research, Nepal Health Research and Innovation Foundation, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Department of Pharmacy, Nobel College, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Drugs Ther Perspect. 2020;36(9):389-395. doi: 10.1007/s40267-020-00757-3. Epub 2020 Jul 20.
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major global threat affecting millions of lives throughout the world physically and psychologically. With the asymptomatic presentation of COVID-19 in many patients and the similarity of its symptoms with the common cold and influenza, the need for accurate information on the disease is very important for its identification and proper management. Accurate information on the disease, its prevention and treatment can be disseminated through drug information centers (DICs). DICs are usually staffed by pharmacists and/or clinical pharmacists/pharmacologists. DICs are a reliable source of current and unbiased information on COVID-19 and its associated complications, including management options for healthcare professionals and the public. In addition to health and drug information, pharmacists working in the DICs can be involved in the management of the patients' health by providing information on home care and safety, medication management of patients with chronic comorbid illnesses, and psychological advice. This article explores the possible additional roles DICs can play, besides providing drug information within the hospital or in the community.
2019年新型冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行是一项重大的全球威胁，在身体和心理层面影响着全球数百万人的生命。鉴于许多COVID-19患者有无症状表现，且其症状与普通感冒和流感相似，获取有关该疾病的准确信息对于其识别和妥善管理非常重要。有关该疾病及其预防和治疗的准确信息可通过药物信息中心（DIC）进行传播。药物信息中心通常配备药剂师和/或临床药剂师/药理学家。药物信息中心是有关COVID-19及其相关并发症的当前无偏见信息的可靠来源，包括为医疗保健专业人员和公众提供管理选项。除了健康和药物信息外，在药物信息中心工作的药剂师还可以通过提供家庭护理和安全信息、慢性合并症患者的药物管理以及心理建议，参与患者健康管理。本文探讨了药物信息中心除了在医院或社区内提供药物信息之外可能发挥的其他作用。
