Identifying the Potential of RFID in Disaster Healthcare: An International Delphi Study

Mainstream healthcare has been facing numerous challenges, and it is expected to see that these challenges become more severe and frequent when healthcare is dealing with disasters. This points to the necessity of utilising technologies to support healthcare and disaster managers in making quality decisions during chaotic and rapidly changing conditions in disaster situations. Therefore, in this research, the objective is to identify the role of RFID technology in healthcare-related activities before, during, and after disasters in terms of application areas and phases of the disaster management cycle (DMC). A Delphi approach was used in this research. Two rounds of questionnaires were administered to a panel of experts to evaluate the actual and potential use of RFID applications for healthcare within DMC. The Delphi participants were the field experts in the areas of disaster management, disaster medicine, and information systems. Based on the Delphi results, RFID applications were seen to be most useful in the response and recovery phases of disasters. RFID was seen as being most helpful for health-related supply management and casualty information. There were concerns that privacy and security may be barriers to adoption and use. Other applications identified by this study include identifying and tracking medical resources (including clinicians and first responders) and their accurate coordination in the response missions, determining idle resources, and maximising their utilisation during response activities. In this research, 35 potential scenarios of RFID applications for healthcare purposes within DMC and Disaster e-Health (DEH) were evaluated with the Delphi participants. RFID technologies could play an important role in DMC and DEH to provide more reliable and timely information to support healthcare during disasters. Based on the research results, managing the supply chain emerged as a major RFID application for supporting disaster healthcare.

Download Full-text

Critical Concepts in Disaster Medicine for Saudi Arabian Emergency Residency Programs: A Delphi Study

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x19002401 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (s1) ◽

pp. s113-s113

Author(s):

Bader Alossaimi ◽

Michael Molloy ◽

Alexander Hart ◽

Amalia Voskanyan ◽

Ritu Sarin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medicine ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Delphi Study ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Saudi Arabian ◽

Disaster Medicine ◽

Expert Consensus ◽

System Response ◽

Delphi Approach ◽

Residency Curriculum

Introduction:Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East, has suffered numerous terrorist attacks and is the location of Hajj, one of the world’s largest annual mass gatherings. Healthcare providers’ pre-incident knowledge and understanding of basic disaster medicine (DM) concepts are crucial for a unified and effective health-system response. Introducing healthcare providers to best practices is a stated vision of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. Standardizing DM curriculum taught to physicians during their residency training will assist this goal.Aim:To produce expert consensus on the most critical DM topics for the residency curriculum in emergency medicine (EM) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Methods:Utilizing a Delphi approach, a panel of Saudi Arabian experts in DM and EM residency directors were surveyed regarding potential DM topics for EM residency curricula. The first round comprised of open-ended questions seeking lists of suggested DM curriculum topics. In subsequent rounds, each participant received a questionnaire asking them to review the items contributed in the first round, summarized by the investigation team. The participants rated each item on a five-point Likert Scale to establish preliminary priorities and added their comments. In further rounds, participants reviewed and prioritized subjects until they reached a consensus of >=80%.Results:The study is ongoing and full data will be available in the new year.Discussion:This expert consensus from major stakeholders can be used to improve the foundation of the DM curriculum. The Delphi Method gives an evidence-based approach to identification and prioritization of subjects, which should be integrated within the Saudi Arabian Emergency Medicine Residency Curriculum. It also can be used as a cornerstone for implementation in other medical education programs across the Kingdom in the future.

Download Full-text

The Evolution of Disaster Risk Management: Historical Approach

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.194 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Elham Rajabi ◽

Jafar Bazyar ◽

Vahid Delshad ◽

Hamid Reza Khankeh

Keyword(s):

Risk Management ◽

Disaster Management ◽

Disaster Risk ◽

Disaster Medicine ◽

Civil Defense ◽

Disaster Risk Management ◽

Related Factors ◽

Historical Approach ◽

Response And Recovery ◽

Narrative Literature Review

Abstract The concept of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) has changed throughout history. Identifying changes and related factors can be effective in adopting logical, scientific and evidence-based approaches in the future. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of depicting the process of changes in the concept of DRM and creating an original perspective. In this narrative literature review study, we used historical approach. Literature, regardless of the time of publication, was searched using divergent keywords including “disaster, health, emergency, management, risk, disaster medicine, and hazard.” DRM evolution started with the emergence of civil defense during the last century. Although DRM was initially focused on responses, currently, this concept includes disaster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster management. DRR includes prevention and mitigation, and disaster management includes response and recovery measures. DRR considering underlying risk factors such as social factors, and focusing on participation of communities are important steps to be taken.

Download Full-text

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Disaster Management

Children ◽

10.3390/children8070581 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (7) ◽

pp. 581

Author(s):

Jeong-Hun Jang ◽

Kyoo-Man Ha

Keyword(s):

Disaster Management ◽

International Organizations ◽

Children With Disabilities ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Disaster Medicine ◽

Implementation Stages ◽

The Individual ◽

Comprehensive Framework ◽

Developed Nations ◽

Medicine Education

Disability inclusion of children in disaster management means to identify and then eliminate the challenges faced by children with disabilities during disaster occurrence. The present research aimed to explore how the challenges of children with disabilities can be resolved in disaster management. Qualitative content analysis was used to compare individual-stakeholder-based disaster management with all-stakeholder disaster management considering three stakeholders: developed nations, developing nations, and international organizations. A key finding is that these stakeholders must shift from the individual-stakeholder-based approach to the all-stakeholders approach while enhancing disaster medicine, education, monitoring, and implementation stages. A comprehensive framework of disability inclusion is proposed to reflect effective disaster management for these children.

Download Full-text

Disaster Day: A Simulation-Based Disaster Medicine Curriculum for Novice Learners

Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development ◽

10.1177/23821205211020751 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 238212052110207

Author(s):

Brad D Gable ◽

Asit Misra ◽

Devin M Doos ◽

Patrick G Hughes ◽

Lisa M Clayton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Disaster Management ◽

Disaster Preparedness ◽

Real Life ◽

Mass Casualty ◽

Disaster Medicine ◽

Incident Command ◽

Management Concepts ◽

Simulation Based ◽

Second Year

Background: Mass casualty and multi-victim incidents have increased in recent years due to a number of factors including natural disasters and terrorism. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommends that medical students be trained in disaster preparedness and response. However, a majority of United States medical students are not provided such education. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1 day, immersive, simulation-based Disaster Day curriculum. Settings and Design: Learners were first and second year medical students from a single institution. Materials and Methods: Our education provided learners with information on disaster management, allowed for application of this knowledge with hands-on skill stations, and culminated in near full-scale simulation where learners could evaluate the knowledge and skills they had acquired. Statistical analysis used: To study the effectiveness of our Disaster Day curriculum, we conducted a single-group pretest-posttest and paired analysis of self-reported confidence data. Results: A total of 40 first and second year medical students participated in Disaster Day as learners. Learners strongly agreed that this course provided new information or provided clarity on previous training, and they intended to use what they learned, 97.6% and 88.4%, respectively. Conclusions: Medical students’ self-reported confidence of key disaster management concepts including victim triage, tourniquet application, and incident command improved after a simulation-based disaster curriculum. This Disaster Day curriculum provides students the ability to apply concepts learned in the classroom and better understand the real-life difficulties experienced in a resource limited environment.

Download Full-text

A consensus approach toward the standardization of spinal stiffness measurement using a loaded rolling wheel device: results of a Delphi study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04313-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maliheh Hadizadeh ◽

Greg Kawchuk ◽

Simon French

Keyword(s):

Delphi Study ◽

Best Practice ◽

Standard Protocol ◽

Research Experience ◽

Multicenter Studies ◽

Stiffness Measurement ◽

Delphi Approach ◽

Spinal Stiffness ◽

Human Participants ◽

Rolling Wheel

Abstract Background Spinal stiffness assessment has the potential to become an important clinical measure. Various spinal stiffness-testing devices are available to help researchers objectively evaluate the spine and patient complaints. One of these is VerteTrack, a device capable of measuring posteroanterior displacement values over an entire spinal region. This study aimed to develop a best-practice protocol for evaluating spinal stiffness in human participants using VerteTrack. Methods Twenty-five individuals with research experience in measuring spinal stiffness, or who were trained in spinal stiffness measurement using the VerteTrack device, were invited to participate in this 3-Round Delphi study. Answers to open-ended questions in Round 1 were thematically analyzed and translated into statements about VerteTrack operation for spinal stiffness measurements. Participants then rated their level of agreement with these statements using a 5-point Likert scale in Rounds 2 and 3. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Consensus was achieved when at least 70% of the participants either strongly agreed, agreed, (or strongly disagreed, disagreed) to include a statement in the final protocol. Results Twenty participants completed Round 1 (80%). All these participants completed Rounds 2 and 3. In total, the pre-defined consensus threshold was reached for 67.2% (123/183) of statements after three rounds of surveys. From this, a best-practice protocol was created. Conclusions Using a Delphi approach, a consensus-based protocol for measuring spinal stiffness using the VerteTrack was developed. This standard protocol will help to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of spinal stiffness measurements, facilitate the training of new operators, increase consistency of these measurements in multicenter studies, and provide the synergy and potential for data comparison between spine studies internationally. Although specific to VerteTrack, the resulting standard protocol could be modified for use with other devices designed to collect spinal stiffness measures.

Download Full-text

VoIP for Telerehabilitation: A Pilot Usability Study for HIPAA Compliance

International Journal of Telerehabilitation ◽

10.5195/ijt.2012.6096 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 33-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Valerie R. Watzlaf ◽

Briana Ondich

Keyword(s):

Health Care Providers ◽

Future Research ◽

Software Systems ◽

Usability Study ◽

Care Providers ◽

Privacy And Security ◽

Related Services ◽

Security Applications ◽

Health Related ◽

Hipaa Compliance

Consumer-based, free Voice and video over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) software systems such as Skype and others are used by health care providers to deliver telerehabilitation and other health-related services to clients. Privacy and security applications as well as HIPAA compliance within these protocols have been questioned by practitioners, health information managers, and other healthcare entities. This pilot usability study examined whether four respondents who used the top three, free consumer-based, VoIP software systems perceived these VoIP technologies to be private, secure, and HIPAA compliant; most did not. While the pilot study limitations include the number of respondents and systems assessed, the protocol can be applied to future research and replicated for instructional purposes. Recommendations are provided for VoIP companies, providers, and users.

Download Full-text

Awareness of Family Physician Residents of their Roles in Disaster Health Management: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i41b32365 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 254-261

Author(s):

Fawaz Hassan Alamri ◽

Faisal Dhahi Aldahash ◽

Sa’ad Alqahtani

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Disaster Management ◽

Family Physician ◽

Emergency Services ◽

Health Management ◽

Family Physicians ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Disaster Medicine ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Family

Background: Family physicians have a pivotal role in responding to the medical community's needs and have a crucial role in disaster health management. Family physicians have several tasks and duties during and after the disaster, such as event detection, critical information’ collection and distribution, and rehabilitative activities. It is important to identify the level of awareness of the family physicians regarding their role in the management of disasters. Aim: To assess the awareness of family physician residents of their roles in disaster health management, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was cross-sectional; it was performed on Saudi family physician residents in family practice clinics and centers in Saudi Arabia. A self-administrated questionnaire has been sent electronically to the participants to investigate their awareness. IMB SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the collected data. Results: This study included 400 family physicians; more than one-half 52.75%were in the age of 28-30 years old. There were 61.5% worked previously at hospital emergency services. A few percentages reported receiving training on disaster medicine management in the clinic, 38.5%. 47.75% reported willingness to train on disaster management. There was 71% of physicians had high knowledge regarding their role in disaster management. Conclusion: There was high awareness among the family physicians regarding their role in the management of disaster with an acceptable attitude toward receiving training.

Download Full-text

HIPAA

Information Ethics ◽

10.4018/978-1-59140-491-0.ch013 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 219-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pooja Deshmukh ◽

David Croasdell

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Information Technologies ◽

Ethical Issues ◽

Health Care Industry ◽

Privacy And Security ◽

Health Care Networks ◽

Security Issues ◽

Care Industry ◽

Health Related ◽

The Difference

This chapter explores privacy and security issues in health care. It describes the difference between privacy and security in the context of health care, identifies sources of concern for individuals who use information technologies for health-related purposes, and presents technology-based solutions for privacy and security in health care networks. The purpose of the chapter is to provide an investigation of the sources of concern for regulations and technologies in the health care industry. The discussion is based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its eight guiding principles. The chapter explores the implications of legal and regulatory environments driving HIPAA regulations, the need for privacy and security in health care networks, and information technologies used in the health care industry. Related ethical issues, current technologies for providing secure solutions that comply with the regulations, and products emerging in the market are also examined.

Download Full-text

Mobile Technologies in Disaster Healthcare

Advances in Medical Technologies and Clinical Practice - Optimizing Health Monitoring Systems With Wireless Technology ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-6067-8.ch012 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 155-174

Author(s):

Samaneh Madanian ◽

Reem Abubakr Abbas ◽

Tony Norris ◽

Dave Parry

Keyword(s):

Disaster Management ◽

Information Exchange ◽

Disaster Medicine ◽

Clinical Applications ◽

Mobile Technologies ◽

The Future ◽

Operational Aspects

The increasing penetration of smartphones and their ability to host mobile technologies have shown valuable outcomes in disaster management; albeit, their application in disaster medicine remains limited. In this chapter, the authors explore the role of mobile technologies for clinical applications and communication and information exchange during disasters. The chapter synthesizes the literature on disaster healthcare and mobile technologies before, during, and after disasters discusses technological and operational aspects. They conclude by discussing limitations in the field and prospects for the future.

Download Full-text