Emergency Preparedness Education Inclusive of Chronic Disease and Access and Functional Needs

Abstract

The number of disasters is increasing worldwide and the level of knowledge of and preparation for such disasters may be inadequate, particularly among vulnerable populations. Emergency preparedness education by health care providers can be effective in improving preparedness of people with increased medical needs. The purpose of this project was to: 1) determine what evidence exists in the literature regarding emergency preparedness levels of vulnerable populations, 2) determine what evidence exists in the literature regarding the effect of healthcare provider education on emergency preparedness levels of vulnerable populations, 3) examine what education methods and other tools can be utilized to easily deliver emergency preparedness education by health care providers to vulnerable populations, and 4) develop evidence-based emergency preparedness education deliverable to various populations. The first three objectives were completed via an extensive literature review using PubMed and CINAHL. Information was gathered on current disaster preparedness measures used in the U.S., the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations, and evidence-based recommendations for disaster preparedness and education. The last objective was accomplished by using various sources found throughout the literature review as well as additional resources that provided guidance on creating effective education. The resulting education tool is the first disaster education course ground in evidence and not merely expert opinion. This education tool was created to be inclusive of vulnerable populations, modifiable for various locations, and, ideally, motivating of behavioral change in the realm of disaster preparation.