Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the current status of drug management carried out by the Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team (DPAT) and to consider appropriate drug management methods. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted in 81 facilities registered with the DPAT in 2020. Results: The results showed that the average preparation time of DPATs was 6.3±9.9 hours, which differed among the facilities. It was suggested that the ordering process contributes to a reduction in preparation time. Some facilities managed drug storage in the affected areas without locks. Moreover, many facilities were not employing appropriate measures for the quality control of the drugs. Conclusion: The DPAT is expected to be mobilized quickly after a disaster and work in the disaster areas. However, some facilities took time to prepare the drugs to be transported by the DPAT, and shortening the preparation time was an issue. It became clear that there was a potential risk of theft or loss of medicines, and that appropriate measures for the quality control of the drugs were not taken. It is necessary to consider putting in place anti-theft measures and those to ensure the quality control of the drugs used during the disaster.
