PharmacyNow COVID-19 with Dr. Steve Hoffart Recap

In this episode of PharmacyNow, Scott Von Deylen sat down with Steve Hoffart, PharmD, RPH, FAAMM, ABAAHP and owner of Magnolia Pharmacy, to discuss how COVID-19 is affecting pharmacy and how the industry is showing up to make a difference during this pandemic. 

Adapting to Meet Needs Caused by COVID-19

One of the biggest challenges facing our communities during the coronavirus pandemic is the shortage of certain supplies, including hand sanitizer. Thanks to Magnolia Pharmacy based in Magnolia, Texas, community heroes on the frontlines now have access to the supplies they so desperately need. 

Hoffart says, “right now this is what our community needs. This is what our first responders need. So we’re going to step up and do our best.” Utilizing a recipe approved of by the FDA, Magnolia Pharmacy has been able to produce nearly 400 bottles a day. But they had to get creative in the process.

Due to the high cost of procuring some of the ingredients needed, Hoffart knew he needed to find something to cut costs. His solution was to reach out to local businesses to sponsor some of the ingredients. Not only did this lower the cost of the product, but it also gave local businesses some much-needed brand awareness during these tough times. 

And if you’re wondering how much hand sanitizer you should use, Hoffart covers that too. He says what’s most important is liberally covering the front and back of your hands, as well as your fingers. 

Collaborating with Other Pharmacy Organizations

Another challenge pharmacies across the country are facing is the need to change daily operations in light of the coronavirus. One solution is to reach out to pharmacy organizations for best-practices and temporary allowances during the pandemic. These can include things like not requiring a signature for certain purchases to minimize contact, and allowing pharmacists to renew emergency prescriptions. 

Additionally, Hoffart says it is important to reach out to your network to understand what is working well for other pharmacies. For instance, prior to the influx of COVID-19 cases in Texas, Hoffart spoke to a colleague in Washington about her pharmacy’s change in operations. Her suggestion was to put a plan in place to protect both patients and employees from being exposed to the virus.

Protect Your Patients and Employees

Putting such a large scale change into effect is difficult to say the least, but Hoffart and his staff knew that was just what they had to do. Some of the changes they made included switching all of their operations to drive thru. And if your pharmacy doesn’t have a drive thru, he says a great option is to offer curbside pickup. 

Additional measures taken by his pharmacy also include screening staff anytime they enter the pharmacy. They are asked a series of common COVID-19 screening questions to see if they or their family are experiencing any symptoms. Additionally, the staff has their temperatures taken when they enter and leave the building.

Recognizing that symptoms may not be exhibited for the first few days of the virus, Hoffart says his team has also taken several precautions. Each staff member has their own designated workstation and phone to prevent the spread of any potential germs. Additionally, every hour on the hour they have an alarm to remind them to clean and disinfect their workspace. His last piece of advice for pharmacies is to “create a good work environment where your employees feel like they’re being screened, listened to and that you’re looking out for their best interests.”

As our communities continue to face the challenges that COVID-19 presents, we want you to know PrescribeWellness is here for you. Here are some resources: 

• Listen to the full PharmacyNow podcast episode here.
• Find downloadable COVID-19 Awareness kits for your pharmacy here.
• For the latest news and resources, visit our COVID-19 Updates page here.