Outcomes of a Medical Preparedness Survey: A Utah Valley University Respiratory Therapy Student Research Study

Background:

We sought to determine if the general population is prepared in regards to prescription medications (RXM) in the event of an emergency. Pharmacies, physicians and insurance companies contribute to the problem by limiting the availability and quantities. Recent disasters, quick evacuations and quarantine have contributed to RXM unpreparedness.

Methods:

The questions on the Medical Preparedness Survey were created to gauge the preparedness of the general population of one Utah county. We sought to determine: 1) 3-day RX preparedness in general, 2) gender dependence on RXMs, 3) preparation by gender, 4) Utah County, UT preparedness with RX meds, 5) preparedness of home oxygen (O₂) where applicable, 6) the role of education in readiness with RXMs, and 7) age dependency and preparedness. Additional questions included: patient demographics including age, gender, zip code, ethnicity and highest level of education, 5-minute access to RXMs, pet dependency on RXMs, and if access could be accomplished in 5 minutes, and patient identification of emergency outside designated meeting spots. Data were collected via a Qualtrics template survey distributed via Facebook. Two hundred twenty-five surveys were returned and analyzed.

Results:

Survey results are reported in Table One. Other outcomes of note include: 1) 2.2 % of the respondents indicated they were dependent on RXMs but would not be able to access their medications in under 5 minutes, 2) 42% of respondents indicated they owned pets that rely on medications but did not have an available emergency supply, 3) 25% of respondents with RXMs would rely on their local pharmacy, and 4) 66% of respondents did not have a pre-designated emergency meeting spot.

Conclusions:

It is our impression most are prepared with RXMs for 3 days but not beyond that. A gender gap in preparedness was noted. More respondents < 60 were dependent on RXMs than those > 60 despite comorbid conditions which emerge with advancing age. Higher levels of education did not equate with level of preparedness. This seems inversely related; however, this result warrants further investigation. Community education regarding the need for RXM preparedness and planned emergency meeting location may impact preparedness and decrease potential burdens. It is our impression community services, hospitals, medical supply and insurance companies should coordinate processes to assure oxygen dependent patients have adequate RXM and oxygen sources. The authors acknowledge Kira Zabriskie, Esau Jared Moreno Cordova, and Taylor Hale.

Table One: Prescription Medication Preparedness

*Calculated from the dependency number of 221 **Dependency was not taken into consideration in these calculations.

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