Kahaleh & Truong’s article examines the role of pharmacists as healthcare providers and their readiness to combat public health risks, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explores the application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) to explain pharmacists’ attitudes and behaviors regarding emergency preparedness. The study also recommends Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a tool to monitor and improve dispensing chemists’ efficiency in emergency roles. It identifies components of the CPD cycle, including volunteering for disaster response teams and advocating for the expansion of pharmacist roles. This article stresses that the combination of two approaches, HBM and CPD, can make pharmacists more qualified and ready to offer assistance in public health emergencies.
The article examines various aspects of pharmacists’ preparation and their propensity to act as healthcare providers, particularly during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Health Belief Model. It uses the important elements of HBM, which include susceptibility, severity, and benefits of medications, barriers, as well as self-efficacy, to examine druggists’ behaviors and perceptions toward the success of emergency preparedness. The authors examine the effects of internal and external environmental cues on pharmacologists’ readiness to participate in emergency activities.
The above article, which focuses on pharmacists’ preparedness and role expansion during public health crises, can be a rich source of information for future Nurse Practitioner (NP) practice. NPs and chemists often work together across different healthcare facilities, and both can be challenged in similar ways during public crises. Understanding the application of theoretical frameworks, such as the HBM, and strategies, such as CPD, can help NPs assess their readiness and competence in emergency preparedness. Moreover, the recommendations to expand roles, advocate for policy changes, and collaborate with stakeholders align with the evolving scope of NP practice.
Reference
Kahaleh, A. A., & Truong, H. A. (2021). Applications of the health belief model and continuing professional development for emergency preparedness and response. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 85(1).