Disaster preparedness for people with kidney disease and kidney healthcare providers.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Man-made and natural disasters become more frequent and provoke significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable people such as patients with underlying kidney diseases. This review summarizes strategies to minimize the risks associated with mass disasters among kidney healthcare providers and patients affected by kidney disease.

Recent findings: Considering patients, in advance displacement or evacuation are the only options to avoid harmful consequences of predictable disasters such as hurricanes. Following unpredictable catastrophes, one can only rely upon educational initiatives for disaster risk mitigation. Preparatory initiatives before disasters such as training courses should target minimizing hazards in order to decrease morbidity and mortality by effective interventions during and early after disasters. Retrospective evaluation of previous interventions is essential to identify adverse consequences of disaster-related health risks and to assess the efficacy of the medical response. However, preparations and subsequent responses are always open for ameliorations, even in well developed countries that are aware of disaster risks, and even after predictable disasters.

Summary: Adverse consequences of disasters in patients with kidney diseases and kidney healthcare providers can be mitigated by predisaster preparedness and by applying action plans and pragmatic interventions during and after disasters. Preparing clear, practical and concise recommendations and algorithms in various languages is mandatory.