Hospital pharmacists' role in the prevention and management of respiratory syncytial virus

Abstract

Purpose: The role pharmacists play in managing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is discussed.

Summary: RSV can be a life-threatening disease in certain high-risk populations. Pharmacists can play an important role in partnering with other health care providers to reduce RSV-associated morbidity and mortality by identifying children who are at high risk for the disease, determining the most appropriate therapy for managing RSV, and identifying those who are candidates for immunoprophylaxis.

Conclusion: Pharmacists need to be involved in the selection, initiation, modification, and monitoring of a patient's RSV drug therapy and should also help implement institutional protocols for the management and prevention of RSV.