Washington State Disaster Risk and Preparedness: A Primer for Health Care Providers

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-345
Author(s):  
Stephen C. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Disaster Assessment ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
National Emergency

AbstractDisaster in Washington State (USA) is inevitable. It is incumbent on health care providers to understand the practice environment as it will be affected by disasters. This means understanding the basic concepts of emergency management, local to national emergency response structure, and the risks and vulnerabilities of the region where one works. This understanding will help health care providers anticipate and prepare for disaster response and recovery. Washington State has many unique features with regard to climate and geography, population, public health, and general infrastructure that create significant vulnerabilities to disaster and strengths with regard to potential response and recovery. This report attempts to define and contextualize emergency management and to condense the extensive research and planning that has been conducted in Washington State surrounding disaster assessment, planning, mitigation, and response from a health care providerʼs prospective. The aim is to increase awareness of and preparation for disaster-related topics among health care providers by creating informed responders.

Telemedicine and COVID-19: Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1580-1584
Author(s):  
Radhika Kulkarni ◽  
Kumar Gaurav Chhabra ◽  
Gargi Nimbulkar ◽  
Amit Reche
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Oral Surgery ◽  
Oral Disease ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
Electronic Referral ◽  
National Emergency

To decrease the chance of spread of highly infectious coronavirus disease, the complete lockdown has been taking place in India as well as many other countries of the world. At this difficult time, telehealth can play a major role as it is ideal for the treatment and management of infectious diseases, thus fulfilling the purpose of ‘social distancing’. Telehealth can be beneficial to those who are at higher risk of getting infected and also to the health care providers by decreasing the exposure as well as the workload of health care providers. Telehealth uses computer technology to convey clinical data for diagnosis, treatment as well as management of the disease. Tele-dentistry is telemedicine in dental practice which can also be helpful in the current national emergency. Within the dental practice, teledentistry is widely used in disciplines like preventive dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, periodontal conditions, early dental caries detection, and education. Patients, oral medication and diagnosis. Some of the main modes and methods used in teledentistry are electronic health records, electronic referral systems, image scanning, teleconvention and telediagnosis. All applications used in teledentistry aim to improve efficiency, provide access to an ineligible population, improve quality of care, and reduce the burden of oral disease. This article provides a review of the use of telemedicine and teledentistry in the time of coronavirus disease.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Self-Reported Knowledge Base of Disaster Management Core Competencies of Australian Paramedics

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s129-s130
Author(s):  
Peter Horrocks ◽  
Vivienne Tippett ◽  
Peter Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Disaster Management ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Ambulance Service ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Extensive Experience

Introduction:Evidence-based training and curriculum are seen as vital in order to be successful in preparing paramedics for an effective disaster response. The creation of broadly recognized standard core competencies to support the development of disaster response education and training courses for general health care providers and specific health care professionals will help to ensure that medical personnel are truly prepared to care for victims of mass casualty events.Aim:To identify current Australian operational paramedic’s specific disaster management education and knowledge as it relates to disaster management core competencies identified throughout the literature and the frequency of measures/techniques which these paramedics use to maintain competency and currency.Methods:Paramedics from all states of Australia were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Two professional bodies distributed the survey via social media and a major ambulance service was surveyed via email.Results:The study population includes 130 respondents who self-identified as a currently practicing Australian paramedic. Paramedics from all states except South Australia responded, with the majority coming from Queensland Ambulance Service (N= 81%). In terms of experience, 81.54% of respondents report being qualified for greater than 5 years. Initial analysis shows that despite the extensive experience of the practitioners surveyed when asked to rate from high to low their level of knowledge of specific disaster management core competencies a number of gaps exist.Discussion:Core competencies are a defined level of expertise that is essential or fundamental to a particular job, and serve to form the foundation of education, training, and practice for operational service delivery. While more research is needed, these results may help inform industry, government, and education providers to better understand and to more efficiently provide education and ongoing training to paramedics who are responsible for the management of disaster within the Australian community.

The Promise of Direct-to-Consumer Telehealth for Disaster Response and Recovery

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 454-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Uscher-Pines ◽  
Shira Fischer ◽  
Ramya Chari
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Publication Type ◽  
Direct To Consumer ◽  
Acute Response ◽  
Virtual Visits ◽  
Response And Recovery ◽  
Disaster Response And Recovery

AbstractTelehealth has great promise to improve and even revolutionize emergency response and recovery. Yet telehealth in general, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) telehealth in particular, are underutilized in disasters. Direct-to-consumer telehealth services allow patients to request virtual visits with health care providers, in real-time, via phone or video conferencing (online video or mobile phone applications). Although DTC services for routine primary care are growing rapidly, there is no published literature on the potential application of DTC telehealth to disaster response and recovery because these services are so new. This report presents several potential uses of DTC telehealth across multiple disaster phases (acute response, subacute response, and recovery) while noting the logistical, legal, and policy challenges that must be addressed to allow for expanded use.Uscher-PinesL, FischerS, ChariR. The promise of direct-to-consumer telehealth for disaster response and recovery. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(4):454–456.

scholarly journals Health care professionals’ adherence to partograph use in Ethiopia: analysis of 2016 national emergency obstetric and newborn care survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Weldemariam Gebrehiwot ◽  
Mulugeta Woldu Abrha ◽  
Haftom Gebrehiwot Weldearegay
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Newborn Care ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Survey ◽  
National Emergency

Abstract Background The period around childbirth and the first 24 hours postpartum remains a perilous time for both mother and newborn. Health care providers’ compliance to the World Health Organization modified partogram across the active first stage of labor is a graphic representation of a mother’s condition that is used as a guide in providing quality obstetrics care. However, little evidence is documented on the health providers’ adherence to the use of the partograph in Ethiopia, which limits health care providers’ ability to improve quality care services. Therefore, this study assessed the adherence of partograph use and associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods Data from the Ethiopian 2016 National Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care survey of 3,804 health facilities that provided maternity services were used. We extracted 2611 partograph charts over a 12 months period prior to the survey to review the proper recording of each component. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 22.0 software. A logistic regression analyses was used to identify the association of explanatory variables with the outcome variable. A p-value of <0.05 was considered as cut off point to declare the significance association in the multivariable analysis. Results Of the total 2611 partographs reviewed, 561(21.5%) of them were fully recorded as per the WHO guideline. Particularly, molding in 50%, color of liquor in 70.5%, fetal heart beat in 93.3%, cervical dilation in 89.6%, descent in 63.2%, uterine contraction in 94.5%, blood pressure in 80.5%, pulse rate in 70.5%, and temperature in 53% were accurately recorded. The odds of adherence to partograph use were 1.4 in rural health facilities when compared to their counterparts (AOR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.80, P- 0.002). Conclusion This study revealed a poor level of adherence in partograph use in Ethiopia. Molding, maternal temperature and decent were the least recorded parameters of the partograph. The odds of completion of partograph were high in rural facilities. Strong supporting supervision and mentoring the health workers to better record and use of partograph are needed mainly in urban health facilities. Moreover in the future, interventional research should be conducted to improve the current rate of adherence.

Cost Utility Analyses in International Disaster Responses—Where Are They?

2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-203
Author(s):  
Richard Zoraster
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Large Body ◽  
International Health ◽  
Cost Utility ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
The Cost

AbstractInternational health care providers have flocked to Haiti and other disaster-affected countries in record numbers. Anecdotal articles often give “body counts” to describe what was accomplished, followed months later by articles suggesting outcomes could have been better. Mention will be made that various interventions were “expensive,” or not the best use of limited funds. But there is very little science to post-intervention evaluations, especially with regard to the value for the money spent. This is surprising, because a large body of literature exists with regard to the Cost Utility Analysis (CUA) of health care interventions. Applying reproducible metrics to disaster interventions will help improve performance.This study will: (1) introduce and explain basic CUA; (2) review why the application of CUA is difficult in disaster settings; (3) consider how disasters may be unique with regard to CUA; (4) demonstrate past and theoretical utilization of CUA in disaster settings; and (5) suggest future utilization of CUA by healthcare providers in Disaster Response.Zoraster R. Cost utility analyses in international disaster responses—where are they? Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-6.

Preparing Emergency Physicians for Acute Disaster Response: A Review of Current Training Opportunities in the US

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 643-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhakti Hansoti ◽  
Dylan S. Kellogg ◽  
Sara J. Aberle ◽  
Morgan C. Broccoli ◽  
Jeffrey Feden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Emergency Physicians ◽  
The Us ◽  
Disaster Training ◽  
Training Opportunities

AbstractStudy ObjectiveThis study aimed to review available disaster training options for health care providers, and to provide specific recommendations for developing and delivering a disaster-response-training program for non-disaster-trained emergency physicians, residents, and trainees prior to acute deployment.MethodsA comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature of the existing training options for health care providers was conducted to provide specific recommendations.ResultsA comprehensive search of the Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify publications related to courses for disaster preparedness and response training for health care professionals. This search revealed 7,681 unique titles, of which 53 articles were included in the full review. A total of 384 courses were found through the grey literature search, and many of these were available online for no charge and could be completed in less than six hours. The majority of courses focused on management and disaster planning; few focused on clinical care and acute response.ConclusionThere is need for a course that is targeted toward emergency physicians and trainees without formal disaster training. This course should be available online and should utilize a mix of educational modalities, including lectures, scenarios, and virtual simulations. An ideal course should focus on disaster preparedness, and the clinical and non-clinical aspects of response, with a focus on an all-hazards approach, including both terrorism-related and environmental disasters.HansotiB, KelloggDS, AberleSJ, BroccoliMC, FedenJ, FrenchA, LittleCM, MooreB, SabatoJJr., SheetsT, WeinbergR, ElmesP, KangC. Preparing emergency physicians for acute disaster response: a review of current training opportunities in the US. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(6):643–647.

Medicinal Cannabis

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz H. Carlini ◽  
Sharon B. Garrett ◽  
Gregory T. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Medicinal Cannabis

Introduction: Washington State allows marijuana use for medical (since 1998) and recreational (since 2012) purposes. The benefits of medicinal cannabis (MC) can be maximized if clinicians educate patients about dosing, routes of administration, side effects, and plant composition. However, little is known about clinicians’ knowledge and practices in Washington State. Methods: An anonymous online survey assessed providers’ MC knowledge, beliefs, clinical practices, and training needs. The survey was disseminated through health care providers’ professional organizations in Washington State. Descriptive analysis compared providers who had and had not authorized MC for patients. Survey results informed the approach and content of an online training on best clinical practices of MC. Results: Four hundred ninety-four health care providers responded to the survey. Approximately two-third were women, aged 30 to 60 years, and working in family or internal medicine. More than half of the respondents were legally allowed to write MC authorizations per Washington State law, and 27% of those had issued written MC authorizations. Overall, respondents reported low knowledge and comfort level related to recommending MC. Respondents rated MC knowledge as important and supported inclusion of MC training in medical/health provider curriculum. Most Washington State providers have not received education on scientific basis of MC or training on best clinical practices of MC. Clinicians who had issued MC authorizations were more likely to have received MC training than those who had not issued MC authorization. Discussion: The potential of MCs to benefit some patients is hindered by the lack of comfort of clinicians to recommend it. Training opportunities are badly needed to address these issues.

scholarly journals Currents in Contemporary Ethics

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Rothstein
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Demand For Health

There is widespread concern among public health and emergency response officials that there could be a shortage of health care providers in a public health emergency. At least the following three factors could cause an inadequate supply of physicians, nurses, and other health care providers: (1) the severity of the emergency might greatly increase the demand for health services and outstrip the available supply; (2) health care providers might become unavailable because of their own high rates of illness, as was the case in the SARS epidemic; and (3) many health care providers might not report for duty for personal, family, or professional reasons.One way of addressing the shortage is to encourage health care providers from unaffected areas or parts of the country to volunteer their services. A variety of measures have been enacted to facilitate the use of such volunteers.

Management of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal in the Inpatient Setting

2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 566-573
Author(s):  
Peggy Soule Odegard ◽  
Mikell Goe
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Drug Therapy Management ◽  
E Mail

Collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) is a method for developing a patient-centered practice in which the pharmacist's activities are integrated with those of other health care providers. The goals of this continuing feature are to refine the concept of CDTM and provide patient-care applications from the authors' experience in Washington state. Questions or suggestions should be addressed to Timothy S. Fuller, FASHP, Fuller and Associates, 1948 Boyer Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112-2924 (tel.206-860-8308). E-mail: [email protected]

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document