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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
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Medication supply for people evacuated during disasters.
Sae Ochi1, Susan Hodgson, Owen Landeg
1Department of Internal Medicine, Soma Central Hospital, Soma, Fukushima, Japan; School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
|January 17, 2015
Summary
Losing medications during disasters significantly burdens medical teams. Patients should prepare personal emergency packs with medications and medical aids to mitigate this significant challenge during evacuations.
Area of Science:
- Disaster Medicine
- Public Health
- Emergency Preparedness
Background:
- Medication loss during disasters poses a significant challenge for patients and healthcare providers.
- Evacuations often lead to the loss of essential medications, medical records, and devices.
- This loss places a substantial burden on medical relief efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the extent and implications of medication loss in disaster settings.
- To identify the burden associated with prescription refills and the loss of medical aids.
- To develop recommendations for effective patient preparedness strategies.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze existing research on medication loss during disasters.
- The review focused on identifying the scope of the problem, its consequences, and potential solutions.
- Data synthesis aimed to understand the impact on medical relief teams and patient care.
Main Results:
- Medication loss, prescription issues, and the loss of medical aids represent a significant burden for medical relief teams.
- Medical aids encompass a broad range of items, including routine and emergency medications, medical records, and assistive devices.
- The findings highlight a critical need for improved patient preparedness.
Conclusions:
- Personal emergency packs containing essential medications and medical supplies are recommended for individuals.
- Active involvement of stakeholders, particularly health professionals, is crucial for effective preparedness planning.
- Disseminating findings through conferences and publications is vital to raise awareness among patients and healthcare professionals regarding disaster medication management.
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