سامانه همایش های دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد نجف آباد

صفحه اصلی / اولین همایش بین المللی تحول خدمات سلامت: تلفیق مراقبت، درمان، بازتوانی و امیدبخشی

Care for Chronic and Vulnerable Patients in Crisis and Natural Disasters: A Review Article

نویسندگان :

Neda Jalili¹ Hadi Haghgoo²

1- دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شیراز 2- دانشگاه علوم پزشکی هرمزگان

کلمات کلیدی :

Crisis،Natural Disasters،Vulnerable Groups

چکیده :

Background: According to the World Health Organization, a crisis is an event that, through damage and destruction, creates a demand exceeding a community's response capacity and disrupts public health (1). Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to harm and injury during crises and disasters due to their specific conditions, making the provision of health, treatment, and relief services for these groups essential (2). Chronic and vulnerable patients require special care during crises, and health management of these groups can significantly reduce mortality and the destructive effects of disasters (3). This review study aims to examine the various dimensions of care for chronic and vulnerable patients in crisis and natural disaster conditions. Method: This review article was conducted by searching reputable databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, Medline, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Cochrane from January 2016 to January 2026. The search was performed using keywords such as crisis, natural disasters, vulnerable groups, chronic patients, hospital evacuation, and disaster management. Among the articles found, 5 relevant articles were selected and underwent content analysis. Finding: The findings of the reviewed studies showed that vulnerable groups in crises include women, children, the elderly, chronic patients, and people with disabilities, each having basic needs related to their underlying conditions including specific food, medication, medical care, and psychological care, which are often neglected during and after crises (2). Regarding patient evacuation and transfer, fourteen stages were identified for before, during, and after evacuation of intensive care units during disasters, with successful evacuation requiring preparedness, participation, effective communication, and leadership by care providers (3). The process of transferring injured individuals in disasters has various dimensions including type of incident, location, severity, condition of the injured, specialized human resources, transfer facilities, triage, planning, and inter-sectoral coordination (4). In disaster management and care for cancer patients, nurses play a vital role in preparedness, assessment, and recovery, and providing cancer care in disaster-affected environments is essential (5). Furthermore, health management of vulnerable groups in crises can be examined in three general areas: management of women, children, and the elderly, with pre-disaster preparedness training playing a crucial role in reducing vulnerability (1). Conclusion: Caring for chronic and vulnerable patients in crisis conditions requires a comprehensive and multidimensional approach. People's response to crises is rooted in their social connections, and those with the least power and resources are most affected by the destructive effects of disasters and face more difficult recovery periods. Optimal management, equitable relief provision, careful planning for patient evacuation and transfer, and pre-disaster preparedness training can significantly reduce mortality and the destructive effects of crises. Developing specific protocols for each vulnerable group by relevant institutions and implementing them during disasters is essential. Keywords: Crisis, Natural Disasters, Vulnerable Groups