Challenges of Providing Health Services to Cardiovascular Patients in Emergencies and Disasters in Iran: A Qualitative Study
Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the world. Due to the rate of emergencies and disasters in the country, This study was conducted to investigate the challenges of providing health services to cardiovascular patients in emergencies and disasters in Iran.Methods: This conventional content analysis study was conducted in 2020. Subjects were selected from among Iranian experts using purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analyzed by the content analysis.Results:. After analyzing the data, in the Pre-emergency Phase (lack of training on medication and nutrition, and lack of training vulnerable groups, lack of databases of cardiovascular patients, and lack of identification of patients before disasters), The Emergency Response Phase (lack of sleep and rest patterns, lack of health forces, lack of blood pressure control, lack of proper nutrition, increased medication needs, lack of mental health interventions) and the Post-emergency phase (lack of planning, lack of management of patients' mental problems). Conclusion: Developing strategies for planning, training, providing resources, and mental health during the 3 phases of emergencies management cycle for specific groups such as cardiovascular patients together with empowering these patients in the event of disasters is one of the key strategies which can be used after curbed emergences’ and disasters to reduce the rate of mortality.