13594 A survey of dermatologists’ preparedness for natural and manmade disasters

Abstract

Natural and manmade disasters cause numerous dermatologic manifestations, such as secondary infections after a flood or irritation from blistering agents used in chemical warfare, requiring diagnostic acumen and management strategies. However, little is documented on the extent of dermatologists’ training on/about disaster situations. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate dermatologists’ preparedness for disasters and perceptions about the importance of disaster training. Of 1677 emailed, 256 completed the survey (n = 14 without, MDs/DOs were excluded; n = 242). Only 28.9% received training in disaster preparedness; based on chi-square tests, the likelihood of training did not significantly vary by practice type, age, or residency status. The majority of trained respondents would be comfortable caring for patients affected by natural events (78.2%), intentional chemical exposures (52.7%), and natural biological events (50.9%), but fewer were comfortable with unintentional chemical exposures (47.3%), intentional biological attacks (34.6%), and nuclear/radiological injuries (16.4%). Encouragingly though, 74.7% reported that disaster preparedness should be part of dermatology training. Among the 25% who felt disaster preparedness should not be included in residency training, the most common reasons were that it is not important and they have other educational priorities. These data show that a large percentage of dermatologists have not received disaster training. Even with training, many still feel ill-prepared to manage patients affected by disasters, especially nuclear/radiologic events, demonstrating that the dermatology community is likely inadequately prepared for a disaster. Yet, 75% reported that disaster preparedness should be part of dermatology training, highlighting the need and desire for a formal disaster training program.