Disaster Preparedness Survey for Hospital Pharmacists in Türkiye: Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the preparedness of hospital pharmacists in Türkiye for disasters in according to the latest guidelines of the International Pharmaceutical Federation. Material and Methods: An online survey, according to the International Pharmaceutical Federation rules for disasters, was distributed to pharmacists participating in the 9th National Congress of Hospital and Institution Pharmacists, which was organized by the All Public Pharmacists Association. The survey was conducted between December 13-17, 2023. The survey was supplemented with additional questions regarding the demographic characteristics of respondents. Results: A total of 110 pharmacists participated in this study, with a response rate of 11.0%. Approximately 52.7% of respondents indicated that their hospital had performed simulations or drills, while 48.2% reported that their local disaster risk had been analyzed and measured as a preventive measure. In addition, approximately 46.4% indicated that their hospitals had established standard operating procedures for emergencies. All participants indicated exposure to a biological event, with about 50% also reporting exposure to an economic crisis (48.2%). Fewer than 25% of hospitals have emergency drug or medical supply stocks. In terms of response and recovery, 35.5% of participants indicated that they didn't engage in any activities during disasters, and more than half of the hospitals represented by participants did not undertake any activities post-disaster period. Conclusion: A survey of disaster response and recovery initiatives revealed that hospitals were found to be deficient in disaster supplies. The research indicates a necessity for national guidelines to enhance hospital preparedness.