Role of Pharmacist in Disaster Management: A Quantitative Content Analysis Approach

Abstract

Background: Little attention has been given to characterizing the roles of pharmacists in disasters even though the importance of pharmacists’ involvement is widely acknowledged. Objective: We amid to review a broad range of pharmacists roles in disasters and their response by numerous reports in the literature. Method: A quantitative content analysis technique was used to gather data consisting of words and phrases from literature regarding pharmacists’ roles and their response in disasters. Results: A total of 106 reports were reviewed and screened based on titles and abstracts. Of these, only 20 studies were determined to meet the eligibility criteria for discussion. A total of 7 natural disasters (pandemics, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and storms) were found in the literature. Roles were classified using the Setlak classification scheme, which includes descriptors such as pharmaceutical supply, patient management, policy coordination, and response integration. Pharmaceutical supply was remains the pharmacists’ preferred role. Conclusion: It is evident from the literature that pharmacists are uniquely positioned during disasters to provide healthcare continuity and medication.

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