Synthesis of literature on strategies for chronic disease management post disasters

Abstract

Aims. Disasters are devastating events that can overwhelm individuals with chronic diseases and shift their priorities from routine disease management to immediate survival needs. There were fatal consequences to this shift in health management during recent disasters. The following review of literature was conducted to identify strategies to help manage chronic illness during disasters.Background. During several recent disasters many people with pre‐existing chronic diseases sought help at disaster shelters. These individuals experienced hardships due to difficulty contacting physicians, lack of medications, insufficient insurance coverage, lack of transportation, and inadequate resources in shelters.Method. The Ecological Model of Disaster Management guided the selection and synthesis of research articles focused on the management of adults with chronic diseases during disasters. Articles published between January 2000–May 2009 were included. Research focused on mental illness, children or adolescents was excluded.Findings. The sample included five surveys, five retrospective record audit, four qualitative studies and one study with correlational study design. The review yielded recommendations for disaster planning for individuals with chronic diseases.Conclusions. Integration of beneficial strategies, informed by the literature and tailored to characteristics of the chronic disease population can provide effective solutions for chronic disease management post disaster. Technology’s role in facilitating chronic disease management during disasters is discussed.Relevance to clinical practice. Being the most plentiful health care providers and adept at working with individuals with chronic disease, nurses are in an excellent position to take leading roles in disaster planning missions. Educating individuals on self‐management techniques, participating in drills, and familiarising themselves with disaster technology are some of the ways nurses can help and support individuals with chronic diseases during disasters.