NCJ Number
191797
Journal
American Journal of Health System Pharmacy Volume: 56 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 236-240
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article described therapeutic selection in a postdisaster setting.
Abstract
Therapeutic selection is the process of assessing a patient’s pharmaceutical requirements and selecting the appropriate therapy. Although the primary criteria for drug selection during a disaster response is the same as in usual pharmacy practice, there is a shift in emphasis created by communication and transportation limitations and by changes in the patient’s general living environment. The U.S. Federal disaster response plan for health and medical services includes provisions for the overall public health response, preventive medicine, and the triage, treatment, transportation, and evacuation of patients. Pharmacists have a variety of important administrative and clinical skills that are vital in these situations. One of the most important clinical functions a pharmacist can perform during a disaster response is therapeutic selection. This article presented information on therapeutic selection during a disaster, pre-established policies for therapeutic selection, and a step-by-step approach to therapeutic selection. Therapeutic selection during a disaster is complex. Pharmacists will frequently be relied on to select appropriate drug therapy for a patient on the basis of the person’s unique characteristics. Selection may not include physician consultation, and pharmacists should be prepared to apply their unique skills and clinical experience after a disaster. References