Long-term effects of disasters on healthcare systems serving populations experiencing health disparities in the U.S. and its territories

Council Date: September 10, 2019

Objectives

This initiative will support research to understand the long-term effects of disasters on healthcare systems serving populations experiencing health disparities in the U.S. and its territories, especially during events in which healthcare systems are or have been vulnerable to disruptions.

Description of Initiative:

During most natural and human-made disasters, communities in the U.S. territories and low SES communities in the U.S. mainland have suffered the greatest impact. The long-term effects of disasters on healthcare delivery and healthcare systems in the U.S. have been studied to a much lesser extent than their immediate effects. The study of the long-term effects of disasters could generate strategies to maintain continuity of care, effectively adapt and tailor clinical care guidelines during and after these events, and prevent accentuation of underlying health disparities.

Areas of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Change in demographics – including migration and return and fatalities – following the disaster and subsequent change in population healthcare needs.
  • Pre- and post-disaster barriers to management of chronic diseases, and best practices to ensure access to and continuity of care.
  • Post-disaster healthcare system reorganization and restructuration, and preparedness for future events.
  • The impact of territory and/or federal health and public policies on healthcare delivery or access to healthcare services and health outcomes during and after the disaster.
  • Pre- and post-disaster healthcare workforce migration, return and retention, and its impact on access to healthcare services and quality of care.
  • Post-disaster implementation of disaster curriculum for medical, dental, public health and other health professions.
  • Comparison of long-term effects and strategies among communities experiencing health disparities in the 50 States and territories.

Page updated Jan. 12, 2024