Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen, PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
Some days it seems as if everything about our world has shifted in the era of COVID-19. Social distancing, working remotely, virtual gatherings of family and friends, handwashing, handwashing, and more handwashing! COVID-19 has disrupted the very fabric of our lives.
In some areas, though, this disruption has served as a catalyst for much-needed change. COVID-19 exposed limitations in our health care system and created a need for rapid adaptation and innovation. As a result, we are growing, adapting, and learning new ways to connect with others, including our patients.
This month’s Pharmacy Today cover story (page 26) focuses on the increasing use of telehealth in the face of a global pandemic. Seemingly overnight, changes in health care policies and coverage to enable telehealth occurred that would previously have taken years. But where do we go from here? How do we continue to ensure that patients have access to care? One essential step is pharmacists’ inclusion as providers in future legislative changes regarding telehealth and patient access to needed medical care.
In this issue, you’ll learn what you can do to advocate for change and also find the latest new drug approvals (page 14), a rundown on unapproved “alternative” treatments (page 18) and ongoing COVID-19 scams (page 20), and get insight about what to expect this flu season (page 30). You’ll also learn about when to use, and when to avoid, cannabidiol (CBD) in this month’s CPE article (page 41).
COVID-19 has put the spotlight on the need to reinvent our health care system. It is my hope that changing the way we communicate and deliver health care will ultimately allow us to emerge stronger than when we entered the pandemic. Pharmacists are a key component of the strength of our health care system and we should continue to advocate for changes that enable pharmacists to provide meaningful patient care.