Developing Hospital-Wide COVID-19 Guidelines and Communications

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Sarah Parsons, Pharm.D., Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia, is transitioning from a general pediatric specialist position to a new infectious disease specialist position that also includes coverage of cystic fibrosis patients. Given the rapid outpouring of literature and data surrounding potential treatment for COVID-19, evaluations of current/late-breaking literature has become an essential part of her job. The COVID-19 data generally exclude pediatric patients, resulting in a substantial knowledge gap. Dr. Parsons seized this opportunity to demonstrate the value of pediatric infectious diseases pharmacists by providing COVID-19 treatment expertise for the institution. She dove into the literature, attended many webinars, and communicated with colleagues across the nation. Collaborating with PICU, Hematology/Oncology, and infectious diseases attending physicians, Dr. Parsons has developed a hospital-wide treatment guideline and compassionate use policy. She also sends weekly therapy updates to all of the professional staff. When asked about the impact of her efforts, she commented, “I’ve received significant feedback on the guidelines from our PICU, hematology/oncology, emergency department, cystic fibrosis, and infectious diseases teams. The guidelines have also been highlighted by our P&T committee and during the weekly meetings of our COVID-19 command center team.”