Treatment-related Problems and Countermeasures for Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis Following Tropical Cyclones: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis face heightened vulnerability during disasters like tropical cyclones, yet there is sparse research on their treatment-related challenges and countermeasures. This scoping review aims to highlight the issues maintenance hemodialysis patients encounter following tropical cyclones. Methods A systematic scoping review of 19 articles from 2000 to 2023 was conducted, evaluating eligibility against predefined criteria. Results Hemodialysis patients encounter substantial challenges during and after tropical cyclones in the United States, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Taiwan. Thematic analysis identified 3 themes related to “challenges” (Hemodialysis health-related challenges, socially relevant challenges, and challenges of management inefficiencies). “Recommendations” comprised 4 themes and 4 phases across the “mitigation phase” (fortifying healthcare infrastructure and mobilizing community-focused risk mitigation initiatives), “preparedness” (emergency plan development, training, and patient education), “response” (activation of emergency plans and providing emergency healthcare services), and “recovery” (intersectoral collaboration for recovery and rebuilding). Conclusion This scoping review underscores challenges confronted by patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis post-tropical cyclones, highlighting the urgent need for targeted strategies to ensure the continuity of dialysis care during and after such disasters.