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Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2014

Heather L. Johnson ,
Catherine G. Ling  and
Elexis C. McBee
Heather L. Johnson*
Affiliation:
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Bethesda, MarylandUSA
Catherine G. Ling
Affiliation:
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing, Bethesda, MarylandUSA
Elexis C. McBee
Affiliation:
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Bethesda, MarylandUSA
*
Correspondence: Heather L. Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Daniel K. Inouye Graduate School of Nursing 4301 Jones Bridge Rd Bethesda, Maryland 20814 USA E-mail Heather.Johnson@usuhs.edu
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Abstract

Introduction

Older adults are disproportionately affected by disaster. Frail elders, individuals with chronic diseases, conditions, or disabilities, and those who live in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable.

Purpose

The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to describe the system-wide knowledge and skills that multi-disciplinary health care providers need to provide appropriate care for the elderly during domestic-humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts.

Data sources

A systematic search protocol was developed in conjunction with a research librarian. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were conducted using terms such as Disaster, Geological Processes, Aged, Disaster Planning, and Vulnerable Populations. Forty-six articles met criteria for inclusion in the review.

Conclusions

Policies and guidance regarding evacuating versus sheltering in place are lacking. Tenets of elderly-focused disaster planning/preparation and clarification of legal and ethical standards of care and liability issues are needed. Functional capacity, capabilities, or impairments, rather than age, should be considered in disaster preparation. Older adults should be included in disaster planning as population-specific experts.

Implications for Practice

A multifaceted approach to population-specific disaster planning and curriculum development should include consideration of the biophysical and psychosocial aspects of care, ethical and legal issues, logistics, and resources.

JohnsonHL, LingCG, McBeeEC. Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-8.

Keywords

disasterdisaster planningdisaster victimsepidemicsfrail elderlyhealth services for the agedhealth care personnellong-term carevulnerable populations
Type
Comprehensive Review
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , February 2015 , pp. 72 - 79
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2014 

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