Addressing the Health Care Needs of Displaced Populations Following a Disaster: Development of Clinical Tools and
Steven Hirschfeld1, Dean Coppola2, Jeffrey Kopp3
1Pediatrics, https://ror.org/04r3kq386Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States.
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
|September 4, 2025
Summary
Disaster triage tools were developed for displaced populations with pre-existing functional limitations. These tools aid in assessing needs for shelter survival and post-shelter placement, improving disaster response for vulnerable groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Disaster Medicine
- Emergency Management
Background:
- Traditional disaster triage focuses on acute medical needs, often overlooking vulnerable populations with pre-existing functional limitations.
- Displaced populations require tailored support for shelter survival and appropriate post-disaster destinations.
- Existing disaster response frameworks may not adequately address the complex needs of individuals with limited pre-disaster function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate novel triage tools for displaced populations in disaster settings.
- To address the specific needs of individuals with pre-existing functional limitations.
- To enhance assessment, tracking, planning, resource utilization, and decision-making in disaster response.
Main Methods:
- Development of a suite of tools by the US Public Health Service Rapid Deployment Force team PHS-1.
- Tools designed for comprehensive assessment, patient tracking, resource management, and strategic planning.
- Field testing and iterative refinement of tools across multiple disaster deployments to ensure utility and effectiveness.
Main Results:
- The developed tools provide a structured approach to managing displaced populations with diverse needs.
- Field testing validated the practical application and utility of the assessment and decision-making tools.
- The tools facilitate identification of appropriate support levels for shelter living and post-shelter transitions.
Conclusions:
- The PHS-1 triage tools offer a significant advancement in disaster response for vulnerable displaced populations.
- These tools improve the ability to provide targeted support and facilitate appropriate placement post-disaster.
- Implementation of these tools can enhance the overall effectiveness and equity of disaster relief efforts.
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