No abstract

includes a database concerning patients, infrastructure and personnel, as a unique management tool. The GIS-based system enables to identify the location and current status of patients and providers at all times. During large-scale fires that occurred in Israel between November 22-27, 2016, which necessitated mass evacuation of populations, the information system was used to locate vulnerable patients and plan provision of needed services. Results: Following the decree of mass evacuation of all populations from the risk zones due to the fires, the information system enabled the HMO to locate all vulnerable patients within minutes, and plan provision of specifically needed services: 2 patients from a nursing home and 1 home-care ventilated patient were located and evacuated within 2 hours. Specific medications were supplied within two hours to patients who were evacuated to absorption centers or hotels, based on their personal files available through the information system. One terminally ill patient was tracked and treated by the homecare unit within 3 hours, based on the data provided by the information system. Conclusion: The comprehensive information system facilitated decision-making and improved ability of primary health care workers, to provide efficient and continuous medical care in the community during the disaster. During the recent fires in Israel, vulnerable patients were located within minutes and provided with individually-needed medical care within 2-3 hours, due to the availability of the information system that provided vital data concerning each patient.