Phase Of Disaster Research Articles

Longitudinal multiplexity and structural constraints of online emergency collaborative networks: A tale of two Chinese societies.

Drawing upon the concept of longitudinal multiplexity and the Institutional Collection Action (ICA) framework, this article conducts a longitudinal observation of online emergency collaborative networks (ECNs) built and sustained among organizational actors within Shenzhen and Hong Kong in response to Typhoon Mangkhut. In addition to investigating the multiplex relationships among three types of online ECNs (i.e., preparedness networks, response networks, recovery networks), this article takes a comparative approach to examining how the structural constraints imposed by distinct emergency management systems (EMSs) influence the network formation and evolution as the disaster evolves over time. Findings obtained from a series of inferential network analyses reveal that preexisting online collaborative ties formed at the disaster preparedness stage are important for increasing organizations' tendency to build and sustain online collaborations during disaster response and recovery. Moreover, the decentralized EMS in Hong Kong exhibits more effectiveness in facilitating online network changes during both transitional periods. These findings demonstrate a pressing need for emergency researchers and frontline communication managers to understand the dynamic relationships among online ECNs across different disaster phases and further explore potential opportunities to facilitate online emergency collaboration on a broader scale.

Revision of “Nutritional Reference Values for Feeding at Evacuation Shelters” and Model Menus: A Qualitative Study

Objective In 2011, the Japanese government issued nutritional reference values for energy; protein; vitamins B1, B2, and C; and salt to deal with poor meal quality in evacuation shelters. Because they were not widely used owing to their impracticality, the authors had examined the values according to the experience-based opinions of public health dietitians. Furthermore, we developed a usage tool containing a model menu that meets these values. This study aimed to confirm the usability of these revised values and model menus and collect ideas for improvement. Methods We conducted 8 semi-structured group interviews with 12 dietitians, 9 disaster management officers, and 2 public health nurses in local governments supposed to have been affected by a large-scale disaster. Results New reference values were highly evaluated by most participants. Interviewees said that model menus were helpful for evacuees or disaster officers who are unfamiliar with nutrition because they show combinations of food items that meet the reference values instead of the amounts of energy and nutrients. To improve their understanding, it was suggested that food items be categorized by staples, main dishes, and side dishes, encouraging them to complete these three components of a balanced diet. Because it was difficult to meet all the reference values in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, it was suggested that the time-dependent priority of each nutrient and model menus that supply the nutrient should be shown by disaster phases along with the assumed availability of utility for cooking in each phase. Conclusion The new reference values were feasible to meet during emergencies. Although model menus were also appreciated, further improvements were necessary for better understanding.

Communicating Risk: Developing a Disaster Risk Communication Model for School-Initiated Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Interventions

Informed by the constructivist grounded theory, the research set out with the general goal of understanding disaster risk communication as experienced by extension workers from selected Lasallian schools in the Philippines. The research specifically looked at how research participants from these selected schools define and understand the communication process and purpose in three DRRM phases: disaster preparedness and mitigation, response, and rehabilitation and recovery. Findings show that communication processes are distinctive in the phases of disaster and these processes are affected by inflexible communication system, dated engagement framework, and lack of DRRM training and education. The findings led to the development of a proposed disaster risk communication model for school-initiated DRRM interventions.

Stories women tell: Exploring lived experiences with natural disasters in the coastal and upland communities of Sagñay, Camarines Sur

This phenomenological inquiry explored women’s lived experiences from the coastal and upland communities of Sagñay, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Data sources were transcripts of in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. Findings suggest that women are vulnerable to disasters due to their socio-economic and geographic conditions, as reflected in the four emerging central themes of psychological, economic, and physical distress; women’s roles in the domestic disaster phases; coping strategies, and the need for long-term and comprehensive disaster management programs. Coping strategies applied before, during, and after disasters have helped them survive disaster effects to a certain extent. However, they cannot escape the constant exposure to environmental hazards as long as there are geographic and socio-economic barriers. Hence, women’s high vulnerability to disasters is confirmed positively, as revealed in their shared narratives. Implications to policies in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) include strengthening mechanisms to increase their involvement in the DRRM stages and increasing their resilience and those of their communities through sustainable programs and activities.

Exploring the experiences and learning of young primary care physicians in disaster-affected areas: A qualitative study on the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in disaster medicine. However, it is unclear how PCPs who provide chronic support to disaster-affected areas learn from their experiences. This qualitative study investigates the learnings of young PCPs who provided medical care during the chronic phase of the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster. Thematic analysis of interviews with five physicians revealed the challenges faced by them and their learnings in providing medical support to disaster-affected areas. They not only learned medical skills but also humanistic aspects such as empathizing with the survivors' loss.

Questionnaire on employee awareness of disaster mitigation measures in municipal governments

In the event of a disaster, municipal governments are expected to fulfil several responsibilities. However, owing to organizational reforms, cost reductions, and workforce reductions experienced by Japanese municipal governments in the 1990s and 2000s, they have arguably become incapable of providing effective community-based administration. In this context, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the employees of municipal governments in coastal regions of Japan where earthquakes and tsunamis are commonly anticipated. An attempt was made to evaluate the current state of disaster awareness within organizations and among staff members based on the survey results and clarify organizational and individual issues. Those surveyed were 288 officials with significant disaster response roles. The questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate their understanding of various disaster response measures and their knowledge of their responsibilities. In the questionnaire, three disaster phases were considered: the predisaster, rescue, and reconstruction phases. The responses of each employee corresponding to each phase were recorded. The results indicate that, although various plans were well known to all participants to a certain extent, the level of understanding varied between departments. In addition, departmental employees who were often involved in disaster mitigation were concerned about the coherence and effectiveness of the operations undertaken in various plans. Thus, these issues should be considered in future reviews of disaster response plans. Despite considerable progress in the development and distribution of emergency plans, much remains to be done to raise awareness regarding specific action plans among the staff. This concerns the specificity, coherence, and effectiveness of each plan rather than the knowledge of the personnel.

Factors influencing hospital preparedness and resilience for emerging infectious diseases: a systematic review

Hospitals have crucial roles during an outbreak of emerging infectious diseases. They are expected to manage the surge of patients while continuing essential health services. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence hospital disaster preparedness and resilience in facing emerging infectious disease threats. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method. International electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and SAGE, were investigated for the research studies that were published between 2001 and 2022 in English-language. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined to extract factors or indicators influencing hospital disaster preparedness and resilience encounter emerging infectious diseases. For the initial 672 articles, we identified 16 articles that specifically addressed the aims of this review and formed the basis of the intended analysis. Seven factors influence hospital preparedness, with human resources and crisis management being the most important. The hospital’s resilience has 18 factors that are classified according to the disaster phase. Hospital resilience is concerned with all phases of a disaster (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery), not just operational management during a disaster (as is preparedness).

Catastrophes and Cultures: Differing Approaches, Differing Responses

Introduction:The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes culture as “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.” Also noted are: “the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.” Much has been written about the impact of culture on disaster risk and response. However, the issues are complex and multifactorial.Method:The author/presenter extensively reviewed current qualitative and quantitative literature regarding the impact of culture on disaster phases of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.Results:There are over a thousand publications on the issue of culture and disaster. While it is clear culture plays a role in the phases of disaster management, there continues to be debate as to the weight which should be placed on culture, or whether it can be seen as separate from other elements which significantly impact phases of disaster, including political, economic, technologic, geophysical, etc.Conclusion:With subject matter expertise based on lived and academic experience, the presenter plans to utilize a tabletop format to engage small groups in discussion of the above concepts as well as their experiences relating to catastrophes and cultures. The hope is that this format will spur further translational research interest.

Development of a Learning Support System for Acquiring Disaster Nursing Competencies Required in the Acute Phase of Disaster

Introduction:The purpose of this study is to develop a disaster nursing learning support system and a list of learning contents developed by our team to effectively and efficiently acquire the necessary disaster nursing competencies in the acute phase of disasters.Method:As the first step, based on the ICN Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies, we examined the teaching materials using nine competencies extracted through prior literature, interviews with disaster nursing practitioners and reviews of disaster nursing experts. Next, we extracted learning contents that are considered difficult to learn in daily work from textbooks used in disaster relief nurse training. We gained new information on disasters using interviews with experts and internet search review literature.Results:Educational materials, including links to five open access sites, a summary of basic knowledge and original videos (case reports on dispatching disaster relief nurses, lectures on evacuation center management by experts, triage using the START-method and the PAT-method, psychological first aid, handling medical records and J-SPEED+ apps), were implemented. A test as an entry point for learning, a rubric to check current learning achievement, learning confirmation tests for each competency, a forum as a place for exchanging opinions among the learning community and an automatic certificate issuance system were set up.Conclusion:Disaster nursing is an extension of daily nursing, and many matters can be learned in daily work. There are few things that general clinical nurses should learn in addition as this study showed. However, it is inferred that it is not easy to select and update the knowledge and information that nurses need from the abundance of data available in the information society.It is meaningful to have a learning support system that allows nurses at medical institutions that are expected to collaborate in the event of an emergency to learn together during the silent phase.

Managing Mental Health in Cultural Heritage Emergency Response: Occupational Safety and Operational Resilience

The period following an emergency that has negatively affected a cultural institution can cause adverse mental health consequences, ranging from shame to grief regarding the status of the collection or how the response was handled. A continuous high stress environment, anxiety from overwork in an uncertain situation, and inability to detach or rest can lead to behavioral health issues. Response to pressure can lead to taking shortcuts or non-compliance with personal safety and lead to further harm to collections. Any of these reactions can be overwhelming and can lead to further neglect of health, safety, and security on the work site, in a demotivating spiral that can affect recovery and successful outcomes for all concerned. This paper covers concepts such as the psychosocial Phases of Disaster, terms used to identify experiences, validate emotional responses, and for incorporating behavioral mental health into collections emergencies training and operations. Case studies and resources for managing mental health including skills and tools to recognize the early signs of stress, encourage communication, avoid or handle triggers, and defuse situations, to help mitigate these problems and lay a foundation for positive outcomes are provided.

The wisdom of crowds for improved disaster resilience: a near-real-time analysis of crowdsourced social media data on the 2021 flood in Germany

Transformative disaster resilience in times of climate change underscores the importance of reflexive governance, facilitation of socio-technical advancement, co-creation of knowledge, and innovative and bottom-up approaches. However, implementing these capacity-building processes by relying on census-based datasets and nomothetic (or top-down) approaches remains challenging for many jurisdictions. Web 2.0 knowledge sharing via online social networks, whereas, provides a unique opportunity and valuable data sources to complement existing approaches, understand dynamics within large communities of individuals, and incorporate collective intelligence into disaster resilience studies. Using Twitter data (passive crowdsourcing) and an online survey, this study draws on the wisdom of crowds and public judgment in near-real-time disaster phases when the flood disaster hit Germany in July 2021. Latent Dirichlet Allocation, an unsupervised machine learning technique for Topic Modeling, was applied to the corpora of two data sources to identify topics associated with different disaster phases. In addition to semantic (textual) analysis, spatiotemporal patterns of online disaster communication were analyzed to determine the contribution patterns associated with the affected areas. Finally, the extracted topics discussed online were compiled into five themes related to disaster resilience capacities (preventive, anticipative, absorptive, adaptive, and transformative). The near-real-time collective sensing approach reflected optimized diversity and a spectrum of people’s experiences and knowledge regarding flooding disasters and highlighted communities’ sociocultural characteristics. This bottom-up approach could be an innovative alternative to traditional participatory techniques of organizing meetings and workshops for situational analysis and timely unfolding of such events at a fraction of the cost to inform disaster resilience initiatives.

Sustainable disaster risk reduction training model for nurses: A descriptive qualitative approach

AimTo develop a sustainable disaster risk reduction training model for nurses and identify its key features. BackgroundAvailable disaster nursing education and training programmes have focused on improving the competency of nurses in all four disaster phases, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. However, a limited programme is available that integrates nurses’ competencies for all four disaster phases within one training system. Moreover, no training system exists to ensure the sustainability of the programme to reduce disaster risks. MethodsThree methods were used to develop the model: (1) literature review, (2) focus group discussion, and (3) expert panel. Seven participants were involved in the focus group discussion, while five joined the expert panel discussion. Different criteria of participants were invited for focus groups and expert panel discussions. The data were collected from August to September, 2022. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to analyse the data. ResultsThe model is a 3-level training consisting of (1) master of trainer training (MOT), (2) training of trainer (TOT), and (3) training of providers (TOP). Professional governance is a key chain that integrates and connects these 3-level training. The model has six pillars, including (1) leadership, (2) resources, (3) intervention, (4) cultural and spiritual approach, (5) motivation, and (6) policy alignment. ConclusionsSustainable disaster risk reduction training model provides a potential conceptual framework that may assist the continuity of educational intervention related to disaster nursing training.

Tackling Natural Hazards: A Scoping Evidence for Social Work Practice

The sudden onsets of hazards produce panic and stressful environments for individuals and the masses. They affect people's capacity to restore and maintain everyday functioning. They may experience severe physical and psychological injuries, property destruction, loss of livelihood, displacement and social problems during the disaster. However, the magnitude of disaster impact depends on the people's exposure, vulnerability type and population demography. These lethal situations, triggered by natural or man-made causes, need a multi-sectoral response to reduce the impact. Therefore, the narrative review method highlighted the scope of social work interventions in disaster management. Their assertive involvement in disaster response, recovery and rehabilitation can alter the possible outcomes. They should be engaged in every phase of disaster to perform versatile roles and responsibilities like conducting risk assessments, strengthening early warning systems, preparing an emergency plan, providing psycho-social interventions, facilitating the resettlement and rehabilitation process and policy and program formulation.

DESIGNING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO FOSTER SELF－HELP AND MUTUAL AID AMONG VICTIMS DURING THE RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION PHASES AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS

This study clarifies the design of public assistance to promote self-help and mutual aid among disaster victims during the recovery and reconstruction phases of natural disasters.

Impact of natural disaster on oral health: A scoping review.

Natural disasters may affect oral health as a result of serious damage to social function and public health. However, no article has systematically summarized the impact of natural disasters on oral health. This review aimed to map the existing literature on the impact of natural disasters on oral health. Targeted literature was searched using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases with the keywords "disaster" and "oral health." Eligibility criteria were established based on the Participant-Concept-Context model, and eligible studies were identified based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow diagram. Eight eligible studies related to earthquakes were included in this review. Of these, 7 studies were related to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Oral health status of victims of disaster was analyzed by assessing the following parameters: questionnaire surveys; examination for fungal infection; and analyses of the teeth, periodontal, and oral hygiene condition. Six studies suggested that natural disasters had a negative impact on oral health. Two studies could not determine the impact of natural disasters on oral health. Only 1 study analyzed the impact of disasters on oral health based on pre- and postdisaster surveys. This scoping review found that there was insufficient evidence to suggest a relationship between natural disasters and oral health and that there are biases in geographical areas and types of natural disasters in this research field. Further research is needed to promote evidence-based support by dental professionals during different disaster phases.

Importance of continuing health care before emergency hospital evacuation: a fatal case of a hospitalized patient in a hospital within 5 km radius of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant: a case report

BackgroundAfter a disaster, it is essential to maintain the health care supply levels to minimize the health impact on vulnerable populations. During the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, hospitals within a 20 km radius were forced to make an immediate evacuation, causing a wide range of short- and long-term health problems. However, there is limited information on how the disaster disrupted the continuity of health care for hospitalized patients in the acute phase of the disaster.Case presentationAn 86-year-old Japanese man who needed central venous nutrition, oxygen administration, care to prevent pressure ulcers, skin and suctioning care of the trachea, and full assistance in the basic activities of daily living had been admitted to a hospital within 5 km radius of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant and experienced Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. After the accident, the hospital faced a manpower shortage associated with hospital evacuation, environmental changes caused by infrastructure and medical supply disruptions, and the difficulty of evacuating seriously ill patients. As a result, antibiotics and suction care for aspiration pneumonia could not be appropriately provided to the patient due to lack of caregivers and infrastructure shortages. The patient died before his evacuation was initiated, in the process of hospital evacuation.ConclusionsThis case illustrates that decline in health care supply levels to hospitalized patients before evacuation during the acute phase of a radiation-released disaster may lead to patient fatalities. It is important to maintain the health care supply level even in such situations as the radiation-released disaster; otherwise, patients may experience negative health effects.

Coastal Flood Risk and Smart Resilience Evaluation under a Changing Climate

Coastal areas are highly vulnerable to flood risks, which are exacerbated by the changing climate. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on coastal flood risk assessment and resilience evaluation and proposes a smart-resilient city framework based on pre-disaster, mid-disaster, and post-disaster evaluations. First, this paper systematically reviews the origin of the resilience concept and the development of flood resilience. Next, it introduces the social-acceptable risk criteria and the flood resilience level for different flood phases. Then, a coastal flood resilience management system for smart cities is proposed, covering 3 phases of flood disasters (before, during, and after). Risk assessment is essential in pre-disaster scenarios because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential hazards and vulnerabilities of an area or system. Big data monitoring during disasters is an essential component of effective emergency management and response that can allow for more informed decisions and thus quicker, more effective responses to disasters, ultimately saving lives and minimizing damage. Data-informed loss assessments are crucial in providing a rapid, accurate understanding of post-disaster impact. This understanding, in turn, is instrumental in expediting recovery and reconstruction efforts by aiding decision-making processes and resource allocation. Finally, the impacts of climate change on the 3 phases of flood disasters are summarized. The development of more resilient coastal communities that are better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change and adapt to changing environmental conditions is crucial. To address coastal compound floods, researchers should focus on understanding trigging factor interactions, assessing economic and social risks, improving monitoring and emergency response systems, and promoting interdisciplinary research with data openness. These strategies will enable comprehensive and holistic management of coastal flood risks in the context of climate change.

Urban-Level Data Interoperability for Management of Building and Civil Infrastructure Systems during the Disaster Phases Using Model View Definitions

Urban-Level Data Interoperability for Management of Building and Civil Infrastructure Systems during the Disaster Phases Using Model View Definitions

Challenges Faced by Medical Rescue Teams During Disaster Response: A Systematic Review Study.

This study was conducted to identify the challenges faced by medical rescue teams during the response phase of sudden-onset disasters and provide a comprehensive understanding of these challenges. Peer-reviewed, English-language articles published until January 2023 that described the challenges faced by medical rescue teams during disaster response were searched in the Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. The articles were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018, a quality evaluation tool, and a qualitative thematic synthesis approach was adopted. A total of 353 publications were identified, and 18 of these met the inclusion criteria. Of the 18 included studies, 8 were review articles, 4 were special reports, 3 were cross-sectional studies, 1 was a mixed methods study, 1 was a qualitative study, and 1 was a short communication. Through qualitative analysis, the challenges faced by medical rescue teams during disaster response were categorized into 6 factors: organizational, individual, environmental and health, logistical, communication and information, and other factors. These factors are significant in terms of issues such as delayed access to disaster victims, disruptions in response processes, and an increase in morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, the findings in our study shed light on future research in the field of disasters and offer opportunities to develop a roadmap for improving the conditions of medical rescue teams.

Designing humanitarian logistics network for managing epidemic outbreaks in disasters using Internet-of-Things. A case study: An earthquake in Salas-e-Babajani city

Along with the destructive effects of catastrophes throughout the world, the COVID-19 outbreak has intensified the severity of disasters. Although the global aid organizations and philanthropists aim to alleviate the adverse impacts, many employed actions are not impactful in dealing with the epidemic outbreak in disasters. However, there is a gap in controlling the epidemic outbreak in the aftermath of disasters. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel humanitarian location-allocation-inventory model by focusing on preventing COVID-19 outbreaks with IoT-based technology in the response phase of disasters. In this study, IoT-based systems enable aid and health-related organizations to monitor people remotely, suspect detection, surveillance, disinfection, and transportation of relief items. The presented model consists of two stages; the first is defining infected cases, transferring patients to temporary hospitals promptly, and accommodating people in evacuation centers. Next, distribution centers are located in the second stage, and relief items are transferred to temporary hospitals and evacuation centers equally regarding shortage minimization. The model is solved by the LP-metric method and applied in a real case study in Salas-e-Babajani city, Kermanshah province. Then, sensitivity analysis on significant model parameters pertaining to the virus, relief items, and capacity has been conducted. Using an IoT-based system in affected areas and evacuation centers reduces the number of infected cases and relief item's shortages. Finally, several managerial insights are obtained from sensitivity analyses provided for healthcare managers.