The latest global guidance to support the pharmacy profession through the COVID-19 pandemic is released today by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The guidance consists of three documents covering: (i) clinical information and treatment guidelines; (ii) advice for pharmacy teams (particularly in community pharmacies, hospital and clinical laboratories); and (iii) frequently asked questions.

The revised documents replace FIP’s updates in March. They incorporate new evidence related to treatments for COVID-19 and disease transmission (namely that related to air conditioning) as well as the most recent advice on the use of masks, and advise caution regarding the use of rapid point-of-care tests. The updated guidance also includes examples of professional services offered by pharmacists around the world to respond to the pandemic, and introduces several changes to recommendations for pharmacy practice and operations in light of the newly available knowledge and the evolution of the pandemic. The updated third part of the guidance includes answers to a number of new questions sent to FIP by pharmacists from around the world.

“Increased reliance on the services of the pharmacy profession to keep our health systems going has continued over the past few months. Pharmacists must continue to serve their patients and to work with other healthcare professions to the best of their abilities and with the latest knowledge. This updated guidance from FIP will support them to do so,” said FIP president Dominique Jordan.