On the frontline: The roles of pharmacists in disasters
Pharmacists are among the unsung heroes in health-related impacts of disasters. As the most accessible primary healthcare professionals, they have always assisted in emergencies, but are not adequately recognised for their contributions. The global COVID-19 pandemic identified the essential role pharmacists have in managing the health needs of the community. This research identifies that pharmacists’ roles extend beyond just logistics, also incorporating 43 roles throughout the disaster cycle – prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery – across four practice areas: public health, patient care, governance and logistics. This knowledge is applicable to natural hazards, but can also be applied to any disaster or emergency where healthcare is required, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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