"The Role of Pharmacists in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response"

Abstract

Pharmacists play a critical role in disaster preparedness and emergency response (DPER) by ensuring the availability and accessibility of essential medications, offering clinical expertise, and managing pharmaceutical logistics. Despite their potential contributions, the integration of pharmacists into disaster response frameworks remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the role of pharmacists in DPER and identify gaps and opportunities to enhance their involvement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising a systematic literature review, surveys, and interviews with healthcare professionals, emergency planners, and pharmacists. Data were collected on pharmacists’ roles during recent disasters, their level of preparedness, and challenges faced. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings reveal that pharmacists are actively involved in medication management, patient education, and coordination of pharmaceutical supply chains during disasters. However, 68% of surveyed pharmacists reported limited training in disaster-specific protocols, and 72% cited inadequate inclusion in emergency response planning teams. Despite these barriers, pharmacists were recognized for their ability to mitigate medication shortages and provide critical support to vulnerable populations, including patients with chronic diseases. The study highlights the need for formalized training programs and policy frameworks to empower pharmacists in DPER. Enhanced collaboration between pharmacists, emergency planners, and other healthcare professionals is crucial for optimizing pharmaceutical services during disasters. Moreover, leveraging pharmacists’ expertise in triage settings and public health initiatives can improve outcomes during emergencies. Pharmacists are indispensable in disaster preparedness and emergency response, yet their potential remains underutilized. Addressing the gaps in training and integration into emergency response frameworks is essential to fully leverage their expertise. Future efforts should focus on policy development, interprofessional collaboration, and targeted training programs to strengthen pharmacists’ roles in disaster scenarios.