TY - JOUR
T1 - Disaster preparedness and response practices among providers from the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans with spinal cord injuries and/or disorders
AU - Hogan, Timothy P.
AU - Holmes, Sally A.
AU - Rapacki, Lauren M.
AU - Evans, Charlesnika T.
AU - Lindblom, Laurie
AU - Hoenig, Helen
AU - Goldstein, Barry
AU - Hahm, Bridget
AU - Weaver, Frances M.
PY - 2011/7
Y1 - 2011/7
N2 - Objectives: Few empirical studies have examined the disaster preparedness and response practices of individuals with spinal cord injuries and/or disorders (SCI/D) and the healthcare providers who serve them. This study was conducted to understand the experiences of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) providers and Veterans with SCI/D in recent natural disasters, and to identify lessons learned for disaster preparedness and response in the context of SCI/D. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers and Veterans recruited through seven VHA facilities that had sustained a disaster since 2003. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed; transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative techniques. Results: Forty participants completed an interview, including 21 VHA SCI/D providers and 19 Veterans with SCI/ D. Disasters experienced by participants were weather related. While many Veterans were evacuated or admitted to nearby VHA facilities, others chose to stay in their communities. All facilities had formal disaster plans and engaged in related training; however, participants explained that many aspects of a response take shape 'in the moment,' and must address both provider and Veteran needs. Dispersion of resources hindered well-coordinated care, but effective communication, teamwork, advanced warnings, and VHA's electronic medical record facilitated efforts. Conclusions: Even in the case of thorough planning, Veterans with SCI/D and their healthcare providers are faced with pressing needs during disasters, and identifying strategies to coordinate care is critical. The lessons learned are intended to inform the efforts of healthcare providers who may be involved in the care of individuals with SCI/D in future disasters.
AB - Objectives: Few empirical studies have examined the disaster preparedness and response practices of individuals with spinal cord injuries and/or disorders (SCI/D) and the healthcare providers who serve them. This study was conducted to understand the experiences of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) providers and Veterans with SCI/D in recent natural disasters, and to identify lessons learned for disaster preparedness and response in the context of SCI/D. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers and Veterans recruited through seven VHA facilities that had sustained a disaster since 2003. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed; transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative techniques. Results: Forty participants completed an interview, including 21 VHA SCI/D providers and 19 Veterans with SCI/ D. Disasters experienced by participants were weather related. While many Veterans were evacuated or admitted to nearby VHA facilities, others chose to stay in their communities. All facilities had formal disaster plans and engaged in related training; however, participants explained that many aspects of a response take shape 'in the moment,' and must address both provider and Veteran needs. Dispersion of resources hindered well-coordinated care, but effective communication, teamwork, advanced warnings, and VHA's electronic medical record facilitated efforts. Conclusions: Even in the case of thorough planning, Veterans with SCI/D and their healthcare providers are faced with pressing needs during disasters, and identifying strategies to coordinate care is critical. The lessons learned are intended to inform the efforts of healthcare providers who may be involved in the care of individuals with SCI/D in future disasters.
KW - Disaster planning
KW - Disasters
KW - Health personnel
KW - Qualitative research
KW - Spinal cord injuries
KW - Veterans
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=80051566672&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=80051566672&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1179/2045772311Y.0000000011
DO - 10.1179/2045772311Y.0000000011
M3 - Article
C2 - 21903009
AN - SCOPUS:80051566672
SN - 1079-0268
VL - 34
SP - 353
EP - 361
JO - Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
JF - Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
IS - 4
ER -