Seite wählen

According to a survey by the Deutsche Apotheker- und Ärztebank, Apobank for short, among 521 health care professionals who were asked about the consequences of the COVID 19 pandemic in the period between April 3 and 27, 2020, including 227 pharmacists, this professional group is most affected by the decline in patient numbers and sales with mostly increased workloads, as 69 percent of pharmacists stated to the newspaper. Some of those affected saw the economy and working life in danger. Among pharmacists, however, 29 percent of them have gained patients, but 27 percent have also lost. 44 percent reported stagnating figures. A similar constellation then arose for sales. Short-time work was less of an issue among pharmacists. Only seven percent of pharmacists had to convert their staff to short-time work, but 27 percent of the other groups of heating professionals. However, 24 percent of pharmacists are currently considering this. In addition, pharmacists only applied for state support in five percent of cases, and for 18 percent it might seem conceivable in the near future. Nevertheless, pharmacists suffered and continue to suffer far less from the crisis situation than other healthcare professionals, such as doctors or dentists, who had to deal with a 58 percent or even 89 percent drop in patient numbers during this period. In addition, according to the survey, 27 per cent of the registered health professionals reported short-time work, while 29 per cent are currently considering it. 11 percent of them resorted to state support, 45 percent are even considering such a step. The greatest challenge for those affected by the Corona crisis, however, was the procurement of goods and consumables, which 84 percent of those surveyed still consider problematic. Among pharmacists, the figure was as high as 94 percent. However, 70 percent of them were also concerned about staff planning, while 65 percent of them saw customer enquiries and 63 percent legal government requirements as a challenge. However, 64 percent of those surveyed also recognized the other side of the coin, as they showed a full understanding of the government’s measures during the survey period. However, many healthcare professionals also felt that their professional activities were being held back by an insufficient flow of information. Only 23 per cent (28 per cent pharmacists) of the health professionals surveyed felt that they were informed comprehensively and in good time. However, 51 percent of the respondents in the survey believed that the crisis would be overcome and that the German healthcare system would also survive well.

Source: Deutsche Apothekerzeitung