Disaster Preparedness and Pandemic Plans: A Survey of Nebraska Home Health Agencies

Abstract

This survey provides a first step at evaluating HHA disaster preparedness plans. It also demonstrates that Nebraska HHAs have taken substantial steps toward being prepared, although individual plans vary widely. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1-9).

Hospice Emergency Planning and COVID-19

“…While there are many recognized reasons why EPP is important for hospice agencies, little is currently known about this topic and specifically about the involvement by and perceptions of physicians and nurses involved in hospice care regarding EPP. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Understanding more about their involvement and perceptions can result in improved EPP, education, and-ultimately-response. This study comprised an anonymous online survey of hospice nurses and physicians.…”

“…Hospice agencies, along with home healthcare agencies, are considered to have an important role in the setting of a public health disaster for several reasons. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] As part of a larger community health care infrastructure, they are regarded as an essential element in helping to relieve a surge of patients in the acute care/inpatient setting by accepting early discharges and/or by helping to care for patients at home and decreasing their need for hospitalization. [1][2][3][4]9,10 In addition, there can be a great need for palliative and end-of-life care in large-scale disasters where there are insufficient resources to provide lifesustaining care to all those who are affected, or when there is no cure available (as in some infectious disease outbreaks.)…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] As part of a larger community health care infrastructure, they are regarded as an essential element in helping to relieve a surge of patients in the acute care/inpatient setting by accepting early discharges and/or by helping to care for patients at home and decreasing their need for hospitalization. [1][2][3][4]9,10 In addition, there can be a great need for palliative and end-of-life care in large-scale disasters where there are insufficient resources to provide lifesustaining care to all those who are affected, or when there is no cure available (as in some infectious disease outbreaks.) 8,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Finally, the hospice patient population and the operational structure result in both unique vulnerabilities and hazards-as well as strengths and flexibility-in the setting of a disaster.…”

“…8,[10][11][12][13][14][15] Finally, the hospice patient population and the operational structure result in both unique vulnerabilities and hazards-as well as strengths and flexibility-in the setting of a disaster. 1,3,13,[16][17][18][19][20] These factors ideally would be thoughtfully considered before such an occurrence.…”

Disaster: Are We Prepared?

“…There should be written disaster-specific plans for different situations such as pandemic influenza, earthquakes, floods, and landslides (5). …”