Assessment of drug needs and contributions of pharmacists in the aftermath of the 2011 triple disaster in Fukushima, Japan: A combined analysis

Abstract

After a major disaster, drug logistics are crucial for maintaining medical care. Although pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare institutions, their role is not well defined, and their recognition from other healthcare professionals is lacking. This was evident at Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital in Fukushima, Japan, which was affected by the Great East Japan earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident. The supply of drugs and related information was severely disrupted. In response, two pharmacists were interviewed and the data was analyzed through a thematic approach. Additionally, prescription data collected by pharmacists was analyzed quantitatively. The results from the qualitative survey showed that pharmacists made efforts to supply drugs and collect information, despite facing various psychological challenges, such as confidence, responsibility, anguish, and conflicts. The “leadership” of the hospital's upper managers was instrumental in supporting the pharmacists. The prescription data revealed that drug supply continued for approximately one month without interruption, and the demand for antihypertensive and psychiatric drugs increased. A majority (72.3 %) of the patients (N = 3,518) were 60 years of age or older, which might have contributed to the demand for chronic disease drugs. This study provides an example of the role of pharmacists and drug logistics during major disaster situations, including nuclear accidents.