The role of pharmacists in disasters since the beginning: a systematic review

Background: The impact of disasters on communities is increasing as a consequence of both weather-related and man-made events.1 In concert with this, exposure and vulnerability of communities is increasing as a function of population change, especially an increasing ageing population and prevalence of chronic disease.2 Exacerbations and interruptions to patient continuity of care are the leading cause of death following disasters.3 When the healthcare system collapses during a disaster,4 individuals are generally in a state of shock and turn to the healthcare professionals they trust and are most easily accessible. Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to examine the roles pharmacists assume during disasters and their place within the disaster health community. Methods: Four databases were searched - Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Cinahl following the search strategy outlined by the PRISMA statement and flow diagram. MeSH search terms were used and articles were included that were written in English and had applied a method. The exclusion criteria included abstracts for conferences, reviews, articles written in a language other than English and papers that described no methodology or methods. Results: Six articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Recognition of potential roles for pharmacists in disasters appears not to have progressed beyond the ‘traditional role’. Logistics and medication supply remains the prominent role pharmacists undertake during a disaster. Conclusion: Potential new roles for Pharmacist’s in disasters require further exploration and may represent an under-utilised professional clinical resource during disaster events. Better utilisation of pharmacist’s skills and knowledge in a disaster can best be achieved through collaborative and coordinated multi-disciplinary efforts. References 1. Sauerborn, R., & Ebi, K. (2012). Climate Change and Natural Disasters-Integrating Science and Practice to Protect Health. Global Health Action, 5. 2. Jhung, M. A., Shehab, N., Rohr-Allegrini, C., Pollock, D. A., Sanchez, R., Guerra, F., & Jernigan, D. B. (2007). Chronic Disease and Disasters. Medication Demands of Hurricane Katrina Evacuees. [Article]. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 33(3), 207-210. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2007.04.030 3. Mokdad, A. H., Mensah, G. A., Posner, S. F., Reed, E., Simoes, E. J., Engelgau, M., & Chronic Diseases and Vulnerable Populations in Natural Disasters Working Group. (2005). When chronic conditions become acute: prevention and control of chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes during natural disasters. Prev Chronic Dis, 2(Suppl 1), A04. 4. Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS). (2011). APPENDIX 1: Consultation Summary, The Queensland Floods And The Community Sector: Contribution, Challenges And Lessons For The Future. QCOSS Submission to Floods Inquiry 2011