The pharmacist's role in disaster research response

Area of Science:

• Disaster medicine
• Public health research
• Pharmacy practice

Background:

• High-quality research is crucial during disaster responses and is supported by federal initiatives like the National Institutes of Health Disaster Research Response (DR2) Program.
• Pharmacists have a history of involvement in disaster planning and response, offering unique skills and perspectives.
• The fourth DR2 workshop focused on integrating pharmacists into disaster research efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the fourth DR2 workshop and its focus on pharmacist involvement in disaster research.
• To explore opportunities for pharmacists in clinical and population-based research within simulated disaster settings.
• To identify how pharmacists can design, lead, and support disaster research.

Main Methods:

• The fourth DR2 workshop was held in Tucson, AZ, in February 2019.
• Collaborations included the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, and the College of Pharmacy.
• The workshop explored clinical and population-based research in a simulated disaster scenario.

Main Results:

• Pharmacists possess unique positioning, perspective, training, and skills valuable for disaster research.
• Opportunities exist for pharmacists in clinical, operational, educational, and logistical aspects of disaster research.
• The workshop facilitated discussions on pharmacist contributions to disaster research response.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacists are well-positioned to play a vital role in disaster research response.
• Their involvement can enhance the quality and scope of research conducted during emergencies.
• Continued engagement of pharmacists in disaster research is essential for improving public health outcomes.