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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Enhanced pharmacy training for counter-terrorism and disaster response
John A Armitstead1, Deborah C Burton
1University of Kentucky, Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0293, USA. jaarmit2@uky.edu
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
|August 4, 2006
Summary
Pharmacists are crucial for terrorism detection but lack disaster response training. A distance learning program significantly improved bioterrorism knowledge and created a trained network for disaster preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacy Education
- Emergency Preparedness
Background:
- Federal and state authorities recognize pharmacists' vital role in terrorism detection.
- A significant gap exists in disaster response planning and deployment training for pharmacists.
- Existing training programs often fail to address the specific needs of community and rural pharmacists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a distance training program for pharmacists in bioterrorism preparedness.
- To enhance pharmacists' knowledge and skills in disaster response planning and services.
- To establish a network of pharmacists trained in bioterrorism response.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative distance training program was designed by the University of Kentucky, Chandler Medical Center (UKCMC) College of Pharmacy.
- Partnerships included an academic medical center, community pharmacists (urban and rural), subject matter experts, and state pharmacy associations.
- Knowledge improvement was assessed using pre- and post-training tests.
Main Results:
- The training program demonstrated a substantial improvement in participants' bioterrorism knowledge.
- Over two years, 142 licensed pharmacists (approximately 4.7% of Kentucky pharmacists) received certification.
- A statewide network of bioterrorism-trained pharmacists was successfully established.
Conclusions:
- Distance education is an effective method for enhancing pharmacists' bioterrorism preparedness.
- The developed program successfully increased knowledge and created a valuable network for disaster response.
- Pharmacists are essential assets in public health security and require specialized training for effective disaster response.
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