Pediatric Practice Readiness for Disaster Response

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Scott Needle ◽  
Andrew C. Rucks ◽  
Lauren A. Wallace ◽  
Peter M. Ginter ◽  
Charles R. Katholi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
The State ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Disaster Experience ◽  
Disaster Potential ◽  
Practice Readiness ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

ABSTRACT Objectives: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) calls for the inclusion of office-based pediatricians in disaster preparedness and response efforts. However, there is little research about disaster preparedness and response on the part of pediatric practices. This study describes the readiness of pediatric practices to respond to disaster and delineates factors associated with increased preparedness. Methods: An AAP survey was distributed to members to assess the state of pediatric offices in readiness for disaster. Potential predictor variables used in chi-square analysis included community setting, primary employment setting, area of practice, and previous disaster experience. Results: Three-quarters (74%) of respondents reported some degree of disaster preparedness (measured by 6 indicators including written plans and maintaining stocks of supplies), and approximately half (54%) reported response experience (measured by 3 indicators, including volunteering to serve in disaster areas). Respondents who reported disaster preparation efforts were more likely to have signed up for disaster response efforts, and vice versa. Conclusions: These results contribute information about the state of pediatric physician offices and can aid in developing strategies for augmenting the inclusion of office-based pediatricians in community preparedness and response efforts.

Pediatric disaster preparedness in the medical setting: Integrating mental health

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey I. Gold, PhD ◽  
Zorash Montano, BA ◽  
Sandra Shields, LMFT, ATR-BC, CTS ◽  
Nicole E. Mahrer, BA ◽  
Viktoria Vibhakar, LCSW, LMSW ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Medical Setting ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Psychological Harm ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of disasters worldwide highlights the need for established and universal disaster preparedness plans.The devastating events of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina have spurred the development of some disaster response systems. These systems, however, are predominantly focused on medical needs and largely overlook mental health considerations. Negative outcomes of disasters include physical damage as well as psychological harm. Mental health needs should be considered throughout the entire disaster response process, especially when caring for children, adolescents, and their families.Objective: To provide an overview and recommendations for the integration of mental health considerations into pediatric disaster preparedness and response in the medical setting.Methods: Recommendations were developed by a panel of disaster preparedness and mental health experts during the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Pediatric Disaster Resource and Training Center: Workshop on Family Reunification in Los Angeles, California, March 31-April 1, 2008. Experts discussed the inclusion of mental health-specific considerations and services at all stages of disaster preparedness and response. Recommendations involve the integration of mental health into triage and tracking, the adoption of a child ambassador model, environment, and developmentally appropriate interventions, education, communication, death notification, and family reunification.Conclusions: The inclusion of mental health concerns into pediatric disaster preparedness may help prevent further and unnecessary psychological harm to children and adolescent survivors following a disaster.

A quantitative assessment of institutions of higher education disaster preparedness and resilience

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-250
Author(s):  
Stephen A. Murphy, PhD, MPH, MBA ◽  
Jeff Brown, PhD ◽  
Arti Shankar, PhD, MS ◽  
Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Campus Law Enforcement ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Question Survey

Objective: Assess levels of disaster preparedness in institutions of higher education (IHEs) in the United States.Design: An anonymous, 57-question survey targeted individuals responsible for emergency management at IHEs across the US descriptive statistics and bivariate chi-square analysis were reported. Using the established threshold score of the initial Cities Readiness Initiative from the CDC, an individual respondent’s composite score of 70 percent or higher across 23 specific questions within the 57-question survey was labeled as “prepared.”Results: Chi-square analysis identified variables associated with lower preparedness levels at IHEs not achieving the minimum 70 percent score. Having a campus law enforcement officer serve the additional role of emergency manager had a negative association with being prepared [χ 2 (1) = 10.18, p 0.001]. Having emergency management as a separate university function from campus law enforcement had a positive relationship with being prepared [χ 2 (1) = 18.55, p 0.001]. Staffing the emergency management function with a professional having less than 3 years of emergency management experience had a negative association with being prepared.Conclusions: Our results indicate that minimizing the mission of emergency management by simply tasking a campus law enforcement officer with the extra responsibility of emergency management or entertaining less professionally qualified personnel to lead emergency management’s complex mission can lead to disastrous results. Not only is preparedness impacted, but also resilience when facing disaster situations. Our nation continues to strive to become more resilient when facing such adverse events, as formally embraced and emphasized in the 2017 National Security Strategy. Research continues to offer best practices and unfortunately continues to highlight gaps. While the higher education community is not one of the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors, identified gaps such as those presented in our findings as well as those published by the National Academies of Sciences are cause for alarm. Not only are higher education campuses generating invaluable contributions to society in general, bio-innovation, public health, and medicine, to name a few, they are a core stakeholder in resilience research and implementation. Yet, research continues to indicate preparedness and therefore resilience gaps in this sector. The authors propose implications for practice, policy, and research to assist IHEs in achieving a more comprehensive, sustainable level of resilience.

Role of Academic Institutions in Community Disaster Response Since September 11, 2001

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne L. Dunlop ◽  
Kristi M. Logue ◽  
Gerald Beltran ◽  
Alexander P. Isakov
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
September 11 ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Disaster Resilience ◽  
Academic Institutions ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response

ABSTRACTObjective: To describe the role of academic institutions in the community response to Federal Emergency Management Agency–declared disasters from September 11, 2001, to February 1, 2009.Methods: We conducted a review of the published literature and Internet reports to identify academic institutions that participated in the community response to disaster events between September 11, 2001, to February 1, 2009, inclusive. From retrieved reports, we abstracted the identity of the academic institutions and the resources and services each provided. We characterized the resources and services in terms of their contribution to established constructs of community disaster resilience and disaster preparedness and response.Results: Between September 11, 2001, and February 1, 2009, there were 98 published or Internet-accessible reports describing 106 instances in which academic institutions participated in the community response to 11 Federal Emergency Management Agency–declared disaster events that occurred between September 11, 2001, and February 1, 2009. Academic institutions included academic health centers and community teaching hospitals; schools of medicine, nursing, and public health; schools with graduate programs such as engineering and psychology; and 4-year programs. The services and resources provided by the academic institutions as part of the community disaster response could be categorized as contributing to community disaster resilience by reducing the consequences or likelihood of an event or to specific dimensions of public health preparedness and response, or both. The most common dimensions addressed by academic institutions (in order of occurrence) were resource management, enabling and sustaining a public health response, information capacity management, and performance evaluation.Conclusions: Since September 11, 2001, the participation of academic institutions in community disaster response has contributed to community resilience and the achievement of specific dimensions of disaster preparedness and response.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2011;5:218–226)

The Evacuation of Thai Citizens During Japan’s 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes: An ICT Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (sp) ◽  
pp. 669-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natt Leelawat ◽  
Anawat Suppasri ◽  
Panon Latcharote ◽  
Fumihiko Imamura ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response ◽  
2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes

In April 2016, the Kumamoto earthquakes in Japan killed 50 people and injured more than 3,000. Because Japan is a primary tourist destination for Thai citizens, due in part to the current visa relaxation policy, many Thai people were visiting Japan when these earthquakes occurred. However, while a variety of public information related to the imminent danger and disaster response was broadcast and published, foreigners sometimes had little access to or understanding of local notices or instructions because of language barriers.This study researches the evacuation process for Thai citizens – including tourists, students, and residents from Thailand – in the disaster-affected areas during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Through prompt collaboration among the relevant organizations, particularly the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo, the evacuation of Thai citizens was successfully completed within a few days. Moreover, some other foreigners were also assisted by the Thai embassy. This paper presents an overview of the evacuation process, including the critical role of information and communication technology (ICT) in disseminating information, transmitting rescue requests, and providing emergency communications. The lessons learned from these efforts can be applied in future natural disasters, especially for foreign organizations working in similar capacities overseas. In addition, this study suggests disaster preparedness and response guidelines for tourists when traveling overseas.

Evaluating the efficacy of the AAP “Pediatrics in Disaster” course: The Chinese experience

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Cooper, MD ◽  
Hongyan Guan, MD ◽  
Kathleen M. Ventre, MD ◽  
Yaohua Dai, MD ◽  
Zonghan Zhu, MD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Emotional Impact ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Cognitive Knowledge ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
Relief Efforts

Objective: “Pediatrics in Disasters” (PEDS) is a course designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to provide disaster preparedness and response training to pediatricians worldwide. China has managed to sustain the course and adapt its content for local needs. China has also experienced several natural disasters since the course’s inception, providing an opportunity to evaluate the impact of courses that took place in Beijing and Sichuan, in 2008-2010.Methods: We used pretesting/post-testing, participant surveys, and in-depth interviews to evaluate whether the course imparted cognitive knowledge, was perceived as useful, and fostered participation in relief efforts and disaster preparedness planning.Results: In Beijing and Sichuan, post-test scores were 16 percent higher than pretest scores. On immediate postcourse surveys, 86 percent of Beijing and Sichuan respondents rated the course as very good or excellent. On 6-month surveys, participants identified emotional impact of disasters, planning/triage, and nutrition as the three most useful course modules. Twelve of 75 (16 percent) of Beijing respondents reported direct involvement in disaster response activities following the course; eight of 12 were first-time responders. Participant interviews revealed a need for more training in providing nutritional and psychological support to disaster victims and to train a more diverse group of individuals in disaster response.Conclusions: PEDS imparts cognitive knowledge and is highly valued by course participants. Emotional impact of disasters, planning/triage, and nutrition modules were perceived as the most relevant modules. Future versions of the course should include additional emphasis on emotional care for disaster victims and should be extended to a broader audience.

The Knowledge Level of Dentists in Turkey About Their Potential Role on the Disaster Victims Identification (DVI) Team

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 533-538
Author(s):  
Zehtiye Fusun Yasar ◽  
Elif Durukan ◽  
Erhan Buken
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
Forensic Dentistry ◽  
Knowledge Level ◽  
Disaster Victim Identification ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Disaster Victims ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

AbstractObjectiveAlthough dentists are valuable assets in identification teams during disaster events, forensic dentistry is not used effectively in the identification studies conducted in Turkey, and the importance of dental data is ignored. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of dentists regarding their duties and responsibilities during major disasters.MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted between December 2015 and June 2016. Registered dentists (n=20.280) of the Turkish Dental Association were invited to complete the organization’s online survey. A total of 539 dentists participated in the volunteer workshop. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). The chi-square analysis was used to evaluate the knowledge level of dentists by group regarding disaster victim identification (DVI) – the process and procedure of recovering and identifying victims of major disasters (eg, earthquake, terrorist attack).ResultsThe dentists included in the study consisted of 320 (59.4%) females and 219 (40.6%) males with a mean age of 37.4±12.6 years. The number of specialists and general dentists were 249 (45.6%) and 297 (54.4%), respectively; 249 (69.71%) dentists who had knowledge about forensic dentistry stated that they received this information during their formal training. The percentage of dentists who were aware of the existence of an organization of a disaster response operation in Turkey was 74.2%, but only 20.5% (n=110) had knowledge about DVI. We found that 92.9% (n=104) of these dentists believed that dentists should be included in the team for the identification of disaster victims. On the other hand, only half (52.3%) of the dentists with knowledge of DVI wanted to work on the identification teams. The majority (99.1%) considered DNA analysis to be the safest method for identification.ConclusionOur findings show that, although dentists know about the identification process, they do not have enough relevant knowledge. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:533-538)

An Investigation of the Grief Counseling Services Available in the Middle Schools and High Schools in the State of Mississippi

1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Faye Carson ◽  
Barbara L. Warren ◽  
Lillie Doty
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Middle Schools ◽  
School Administrators ◽  
The State ◽  
Grief Counseling ◽  
Counseling Services ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
School Guidance ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Although thousands of adolescents each year experience the death of a significant person, there is little evidence that the schools have taken on the responsibility of providing grief counseling services. This study investigated the grief counseling services in the middle schools and high schools in the State of Mississippi. The schools were identified by surveying the counselors, employed by those schools, who held membership in the Mississippi School Guidance Counselors Association. Four hundred and thirteen surveys were mailed and two hundred and thirty-three of those returned were usable. Four hypotheses were tested using a chi-square analysis at p < 0.05 level of significance. It was reported by the counselors that 42 percent of the schools did have grief counseling services available to the students; that within that 42 percent stating grief counseling was available, 67 percent reported that grief counseling services were implemented as a result of a sudden death to a member of the school community; that of the reported 42 percent of the schools which had grief counseling available, 81 percent reported it to be an ongoing service; and that of the 42 percent which reported their schools provided grief counseling, 68 percent reported the guidance counselor provided the service. These findings and the findings of other studies reviewed and reported indicate that there is a real need for school administrators to provide or make available grief counseling services for students in the middle schools and high schools in the State of Mississippi.

Republic of Senegal Disaster Preparedness and Response Exercise: Lessons Learned and Progress Toward Key Goals

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda J. Morton Hamer ◽  
John J. Jordan ◽  
Paul L. Reed ◽  
Jane D. Greulich ◽  
Dame B. Gaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Management ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Project Staff ◽  
Work Plan ◽  
Road Map ◽  
Disaster Preparedness And Response ◽  
Response Exercise

AbstractObjectiveThe Republic of Senegal Disaster Preparedness and Response Exercise was held from June 2-6, 2014, in Dakar, Senegal. The goal was to assist in familiarizing roles and responsibilities within 3 existing plans and to update the National Disaster Management Strategic Work Plan.MethodsThere were 60 participants in the exercise, which was driven by a series of evolving disaster scenarios. During the separate Disaster Management Strategic Work Plan review, participants refined a list of projects, including specific tasks to provide a “road map” for completing each project, project timelines, and estimated resource requirements. Project staff administered a survey to conference participants.ResultsA total of 86% of respondents had improved knowledge of Senegal disaster plans as a result of the exercise. A total of 89% of respondents had a better understanding of their ministry’s role in disaster response, and 92% had a better understanding of the role of the military during a pandemic. Participants also generated ideas for disaster management system improvement in Senegal through a formal “gap analysis.”ConclusionsParticipants were in strong agreement that the exercise helped them to better understand the contents of their disaster response plans, build relationships across ministerial lines, and effectively enhance future disaster response efforts. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:183–189)

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