Rapid assessments of health status have been conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in natural disaster settings for gathering information about the status of affected populations during emergencies. A review of 8 assessments examines methods and applications, and describes the use of results by policy makers so assessments in post-disaster settings can be improved.
This review 1) ascertains strengths and limitations; 2) examines the methods; and 3) ascertains the utility of results and their use by policy makers. Similarities and differences: 1) across disaster types, 2) within similar disasters, 3) by timing when the assessments are conducted, and 4) in domestic and international settings. It also identifies decision making actions that result from the assessments and suggests direction for future applications.
Seven of the 8(88%) were performed during or after the third day post-impact (range: 1-70 days, median: 7 days). All eight addressed demographics, morbidity, and water availability; 7 concerned food, sanitation, and transportation; and 6 queried access to medical care and electricity. All 8 provided estimates of proportions of needs based on survey respondents; none, however, extrapolated the proportions to estimate the magnitude of needs for populations at risk. Of the 8, 5 confirmed a policy decision, such as accelerating delivery of food supplies.
Increasing application of health assessments provides: 1) impetus for improving current methodologies; 2) standardizing collection instruments; 3) involving other sectors in emergency relief; and 4) ensuring useful information for decision makers.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe methods to conduct health assessments in postdisaster settings. 2. Identify content areas to address in conducting health assessments during postdisaster response and recovery phases. 3. Assess the utility of information generated by the health assessments by decision makers in guiding relief efforts.
Keywords: Disasters, Assessments
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.