The Role of Community Pharmacists in Natural Disasters: Experiences from the 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes

Abstract

Objective: On 6 February 2023, a series of earthquakes struck the south-eastern region of Türkiye. The aim of this research is to identify the challenges and experiences of community pharmacists who were first-degree victims of the earthquake during and after the earthquake in providing health services. Methods: Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 individuals who were both first-degree earthquake victims and community pharmacists. Results: Qualitative data were analyzed with the MAXQDA 2020 program and three main themes were created. It was determined that community pharmacists did not prepare despite knowing about seismic hazards. Following the disaster, a number of difficulties arose, such as drug safety issues, risky behaviors, and the physical destruction of pharmacies. It was noted that some community pharmacists could not return to normal processes on the date of the research. Conclusions: Continuing pharmacy services without interruption during disasters is of global importance. Before the disaster, training should be organized for community pharmacists on their roles in disasters, medication management, and providing health care. Community pharmacists should take part in crisis management committees and contribute to drug supply chain planning. The roles of community pharmacists in risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery phases should be determined, and strategic actions should be developed for pre-and post-disaster periods.