330 likes | 343 Views
This article highlights the critical challenges faced in managing chronic diseases during natural disasters, including surge capacity issues, legal concerns, and the impact on vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and improved access to healthcare for those with chronic conditions.
E N D
Critical Systems Challenges for Chronic Diseases George A. Mensah, M.D. Associate Director for Medical Affairs National Center for Chronic DiseasePrevention and Health Promotion Public Health Response in Disasters 2006 National Health Policy Conference Adjunct Meeting Feb. 8, 2006
Disclosure Statements • No conflicts of interest • Statements made in this presentation do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC, DHHS, or the US Government
Kaiser Permanente CDC Foundation
Katrina and Other Natural Disasters • Panel 1: Lessons Learned • Impact on public health systems • Deployment of mobile hospitals • System evacuation issues • Mental health transformations • Panel 2: Critical System Challenges • Surge Capacity Issues • Legal Issues • Chronic Disease Issues
Chronic Disease Issues in Natural Disasters - The Outline • Triumphs and Successes • Tradition of Neglect • Critical Challenges • Opportunities and Hope
Triumphs and Successes • Civil society response • International collaboration • Attention to provision of shelter, food and water for evacuees • Fatality from malnutrition • Control of infectious outbreaks
Mokdad, Mensah, Posner, Reed, Simoes, Engelgau, and the Chronic Diseases and Vulnerable Populations in Natural Disasters Working Group. Prev Chronic Dis 2005 Novhttp://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2005/nov/05_0201.htm These triumphs and the current focus of preparations are important and necessary, but they are not enough
Persons at Risk from Disasters – 1 • Persons with underlying chronic diseases; mental illness • Persons without health insurance • Persons with low income, SES, and educational attainment • Homeless persons Mokdad, Mensah, Posner, et al. Prev Chronic Dis 2005 Novhttp://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2005/nov/05_0201.htm
Persons at Risk from Disasters – 2Other Vulnerable Populations • The elderly • Pregnant women and infants • Children and adolescents • Mentally impaired • People living with disabilities • Prisoners and other institutionalized persons
Chronic Diseases and Vulnerable Population Issues • Lack of access to routine health care and medications • Significant interruption in life-supporting treatments • home oxygen use • renal dialysis • insulin injections Mokdad, Mensah, Posner, et al. Prev Chronic Dis 2005 Novhttp://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2005/nov/05_0201.htm
Selected Observations from Surveys of Hurricane Evacuees • Most health care visits were for chronic health conditions • Up to 41% had at least one major chronic health condition. • Non-traumatic deaths often result from existing chronic conditions.
Needs Assessment in Persons Staying in Evacuation Centers • Leading the list of top 10 conditions were: • Hypertension • Cardiovascular diseases • Diabetes • Psychiatric disorders
Chronic Disease Issues in Natural Disasters - The Outline • Triumphs and Successes • Tradition of Neglect • Critical Challenges • Opportunities and Hope
Chronic Disease Management During Disasters and Emergencies “No generally accepted guidance on the management of chronic diseases during disasters has previously been established.” Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards; p 294
Priority Chronic Conditions During Disasters or Complex Emergencies Conditions for which an acute cessation of therapy was likely to result in death, including: • Dialysis-dependent chronic kidney failure • Insulin-dependent diabetes • Certain childhood cancers Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards; p 294
Frequency of Selected Terms inThe National Response Plan http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/NRP_FullText.pdf
Chronic Disease Issues in Natural Disasters - The Outline • Triumphs and Successes • Tradition of Neglect • Critical Challenges • Opportunities and Hope
Data to Guide Chronic Disease Disaster Preparedness • Pre-disaster burden data • Estimates of immediate needs • Surge capacity of local and neighboring health care systems • Ability to rebuild infrastructure needed to support care
Surveillance Needs Before, During, and After a Disaster • Size, functional status, and needs prior to the disaster • Ability to assess the needs and levels of actual response during the disaster; • Ability to monitor the long-term effects of the disaster.
Chronic Disease Issues in Natural Disasters - The Outline • Triumphs and Successes • Tradition of Neglect • Critical Challenges • Opportunities and Hope
Humanitarian Charter and MinimumStandards in Disaster Response
Standard 2: Reproductive Health Guidance Note • Minimum Initial Service Package • Gender-based violence (GBV) • Emergency obstetric care • Comprehensive reproductive health services: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards; p 290
Standard 4: Chronic DiseasesControl of Non-Communicable Diseases
Essential Drugs and Supplies • Life-threatening conditions • Acute heart attack & stroke care • Oxygen in severe lung disease • Insulin in type 1 diabetics • Dialysis in kidney failure • Obstetric complications • Acute care in certain cancers • Medications for routine care
Chronic Disease and Vulnerable Populations: Research Issues • Direct morbidity & mechanisms • Specific preventive strategies • Determinants of rate of recovery • Impact on mental health and overall long-term health status • Essential medications and supplies for stockpiles
Summary & Conclusions • Previous preparedness efforts often neglected chronic diseases and vulnerable populations • New emphasis offers opportunities for improved preparedness and health protection • Surveillance, policy development, and assurance remain core functions
Chronic Disease and Vulnerable Populations in Natural Disasters Working Group at CDC • Coordinating Center for Health Promotion • Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response • Other CDC Centers, Institutes, Offices • Public health partners
Preventing Chronic Diseases and Adverse Outcomes in Vulnerable Population