Clinical insights: Impact of disasters on health

As disasters increasingly affect Australian communities, the professional impacts on general practitioners (GPs) increase. In the days, weeks, months and years post disaster, a predictable pattern of presentations occur. Alongside increased healthcare needs, medical service availability might be impaired. Emergency departments are often overwhelmed; however, the majority of disaster-related presentations can be managed in general practice.

The aim of this article is to review the evidence on disaster health effects from an all-hazards perspective and highlight GPs' essential role in disaster healthcare.

During and following disasters, health effects occur in most body systems. The largest healthcare burden involves taking care of chronic conditions, particularly cardiovascular, endocrine and respiratory illness. Managing deteriorations, access to medications and reviews, are crucial during disasters, and in the weeks and months following. GPs provide this essential healthcare provision and coordination during disasters. They have the ability to improve health outcomes for their patients and disaster recovery in their communities.