Pharmacists Provide Relief After Natural Disasters
Pharmacists are indispensable members of the disaster relief team, playing a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of care during and after a natural disaster.
Natural disasters inflict a multifaceted impact on patient health, extending far beyond immediate physical injuries. The destruction of infrastructure can disrupt access to essential health care services, leading to challenges in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses due to medication shortages, power outages affecting medical devices, and the inability to reach health care facilities. The psychological toll is equally significant, with survivors often experiencing acute stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder stemming from loss, displacement, and trauma of the event. These mental health challenges can have long-lasting effects, hindering recovery and overall well-being.
Pharmacists are indispensable members of the disaster relief team, playing a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of care during and after a natural disaster. | Image Credit: EvgeniyQW - stock.adobe.com
Pharmacists are indispensable members of the disaster relief team, playing a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of care during and after a natural disaster. Their expertise in medication management, procurement, and distribution becomes critical when supply chains are disrupted and access to health care providers is limited. Pharmacists can establish temporary pharmacies in shelters or disaster zones, ensuring that patients receive necessary medications and counseling on their proper use. They are also vital in managing medication shortages by identifying alternative therapies and working with health care providers to make informed decisions.
Beyond dispensing medications, pharmacists actively participate in disaster preparedness and response efforts. They collaborate with emergency responders, public health agencies, and other health care professionals to develop and implement effective strategies for pharmaceutical care in disaster scenarios. Their ability to triage patients, provide basic first aid, and offer emotional support further underscores their value in disaster relief.
In this issue of Drug Topics®, pharmacists from the North Carolina area discuss their experience with Hurricane Helene, which became one of the worst hurricanes that area has ever seen. In the cover story by Ashley Gallagher, the role of the pharmacist in disaster relief has never been clearer. In another article by Keith Loria, the effects of natural disasters on heart health are explored. Natural disasters can cause disruptions to care, which can be detrimental for chronic conditions.
For patients with diabetes, Jennifer D. Goldman, PharmD, CDCES, BCADM, FCCP, discusses the implications of underdiagnosis and the complications that it can bring. Underdiagnosis can also increase mortality rates for patients, so identification is critical. Kathryn Wheeler, PharmD, BCPS, recaps a first-in-class oral therapy for the treatment of recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections. The role of the pharmacist is only becoming more paramount to care.
To read these stories and more, download the PDF of the Drug Topics May/June issue here.
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