COVID-19 pandemic in a canadian hospital: Impact on physical distancing at work and telework

Brassard, G.; Hogue, S. C.; Chen, F.; Lebel, D.; Atkinson, S.; Thibault, M.; Bussieres, J. F.

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a worldwide crisis. Serious sanitary measures were recommended by public health organizations to limit the risks of contamination and distancing measures have been implemented. The main objective is to describe the experience of a center with distancing measures and telework and to compare it before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This descriptive and retrospective study takes place at a 500-bed hospital. This study consisted of a review of the pharmacy department's politics and procedures and of the pharmaceutical tasks that were eligible to telework (management, pharmaceutical care, services, research and teaching). The situation before the pandemic was established. Results. During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes were reported including: Distancing measures with relocation of workstations, remote access activations, identification of telework opportunities, development of a functional telework environment and revaluation of the communication tools. Conclusion. There is limited data available on physical distancing and telework in pharmacy. This descriptive study highlights the experience of a Canadian hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021 John Libbey Eurotext. All rights reserved.