Questionnaire survey of pharmacists on problems in managing allergic diseases in disaster situations

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to conduct a questionnaire survey to identify the problems and unmet needs faced by pharmacists involved in providing disaster relief to individuals with allergies. Method: We conducted an unmarked web-based survey among pharmacists through the Japan Pharmaceutical Association and the Japanese Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Results: We received responses from 235 pharmacists. While most pharmacists expressed a preference for receiving allergy information electronically under normal circumstances, the number of pharmacists who desired to receive this information in printed form increased significantly during times of disaster. Only a few pharmacists used the Allergy-portal site and existing materials on allergic diseases. Antihistamines were the most common medications carried and dispensed; however, pharmacists identified issues related to the quantity and dosage forms of allergy-related drugs. Many pharmacists recommended carrying inhalation aids and adrenaline auto-injectors. 79.6% of the pharmacists emphasized the importance of carrying prescription records as guidance during an evacuation. Conclusion: It is necessary to popularize materials and the benefit of using Allergy-portal, and raise awareness about carrying a medicine list and prescription records during disaster relief or evacuations. On the other hand, how adrenaline autoinjectors with a short expiration date, can be supplied in the event of a disaster, needs to be addressed in the future.