Introduction
The role of healthcare in disaster scenarios has evolved considerably over the years, especially in the wake of catastrophic events that have challenged traditional methods of service delivery. The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake in Japan provided a significant opportunity to review and reflect on these newer approaches, with specific attention given to the deployment of mobile pharmacies and the mental health of pharmacists who operate under such stressful conditions. This article will provide a qualitative analysis of mobile pharmacies as a disaster measure and explore the mental wellbeing of pharmacists during disaster support, referencing a study conducted by Nagata Misa and colleagues that was published in the ‘Yakugaku Zasshi: Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan’ in 2019.
Keywords
1. Mobile pharmacies
2. Disaster medicine
3. 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake
4. Pharmacists’ mental health
5. Grounded theory approach
Mobile Pharmacies: The New Frontier of Disaster Medicine
The concept of mobile pharmacies emerged after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 laid bare the vulnerabilities of the stationary medical supply system. A mobile pharmacy is essentially a medical supply vehicle, designed to address the challenges posed by the destruction of infrastructure, allowing for the continuity of pharmaceutical care in disaster-stricken areas.
Following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, mobile pharmacies were swiftly deployed from neighboring prefectures such as Oita, Wakayama, and Hiroshima. These vehicles played a crucial part in ensuring that affected individuals continued to receive essential medications despite the widespread damage to healthcare facilities.
The Study: A Closer Look at Disaster Support and Pharmacists’ Mental Health
In a study conducted by Nagata Misa et al., the experiences and mental states of pharmacists involved in the operation of mobile pharmacies post-disaster were examined. The study makes use of a qualitative research method known as the modified grounded theory approach. By conducting semi-structured interviews of 21 pharmacists, the researchers aimed to unveil the complexities and mental health challenges that healthcare providers encountered in the field.
According to the study, which can be found with the DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.18-00219, 36 concepts and 13 categories were identified as part of the experience and coping strategies of these frontline health workers. The findings highlighted several key aspects, such as the multi-occupational cooperation necessary for the successful deployment of mobile pharmacies and the importance of continuous collaboration in emergency healthcare delivery.
Mental Health Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
A critical facet of this study lies in its exploration of the psychological impact on pharmacists providing disaster support. Data indicate that these professionals undergo significant mental conflicts, balancing the urgency to aid disaster victims with their personal uncertainties and psychological strains. The study sheds light on the essential need for mental health support services tailored to the pharmacists in the field, who often work long hours in unpredictable and traumatic circumstances.
The pharmacists’ narratives reveal both external and internal conflicts. Externally, they grapple with logistical challenges, from navigating wrecked infrastructures to managing medication shortages. Internally, the emotional toll of witnessing large-scale human suffering can be overwhelming. Burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress, was a prominent concern among the participants.
Despite these challenges, the pharmacists expressed a strong commitment to their roles, underscoring the altruistic motivation that drives many healthcare professionals to the field of disaster medicine. Their coping mechanisms varied, with some finding solace in the sense of purpose their work provided, while others highlighted the importance of mutual support among colleagues and the resilience instilled by the profession itself.
Implications for Disaster Preparedness and Response
Mobile pharmacies represent a significant step forward in disaster healthcare planning, allowing for a more agile and responsive approach to medical provision when traditional facilities are compromised. However, the mental health of those operating these services should be a key consideration in the planning stages.
The findings from Nagata Misa et al.’s study underscore the necessity of including psychological support systems as a standard component of disaster response teams. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted roles pharmacists play in times of crisis. It is not simply about supplying medication but also about providing emotional support, advice, and being a reliable link in the chain of survival and recovery for disaster victims.
Innovation in Collaboration and Education
Moreover, the study indicates the potential for innovation in collaborative practices among different healthcare professions during disaster response. The operation of mobile pharmacies requires a concerted effort from physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and logistic support teams. To enhance this collaboration, there should be specific training programs that simulate disaster scenarios, creating a prepared and cohesive workforce ready to handle the complexities of emergency situations.
In light of the study’s findings, steps can be taken to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of mobile pharmacies. The use of technology, for instance, could be explored to maintain better connectivity between mobile units and base hospitals, or to track inventory levels in real-time, ensuring efficient distribution of medications to those in need.
Conclusion
The qualitative analysis of mobile pharmacies and pharmacists’ mental health during disaster support provided by Nagata Misa et al. contributes substantially to our evolving understanding of disaster medicine. It brings to light the necessity of not only material preparedness but also the psychological readiness of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who stand at the frontlines during such critical times.
As mobile pharmacies continue to redefine the delivery of disaster healthcare, their strategic value and effectiveness will only be as strong as the resilience and support extended to the dedicated individuals who staff them. Supporting their mental health and well-being is thus an investment in the robustness of our disaster response infrastructure. The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake highlighted the crucial role of adaptability in disaster scenarios; continuing to learn from such events will no doubt shape the future resilience of healthcare systems worldwide.
References
1. Nagata, M., Iwata, K., Sone, T., & Yasuhara, T. (2019). A Qualitative Analysis of Mobile Pharmacies as a Disaster Measure and Pharmacists’ Mental Health during Disaster Support: The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Yakugaku Zasshi: Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 139(5), 817–826. https://doi.org/10.1248/yakushi.18-00219
2. Sherrieb, K., Norris, F. H., & Galea, S. (2010). Measuring capacities for community resilience. Social Indicators Research, 99(2), 227-247.
3. Kako, M., Arbon, P., & Mitani, S. (2014). Disaster health after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 29(1), 54-59.
4. Lurie, N., Manolio, T., Patterson, A. P., Collins, F., & Frieden, T. (2013). Research as a part of public health emergency response. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(13), 1251-1255.
5. Gray, N., & Weir, U. (2016). Qualitative approaches to the study of disaster medicine: A necessary methodological shift. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 31(1), 89-92.