Disaster preparedness and response practices among providers from the Veterans Health Administration and Veterans with spinal cord injuries and/or disorders

A Clinical Vignette on Community Transition After Inpatient Rehabilitation for a Veteran With New Spinal Cord Injury–Related Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Veterans in this study also emphasized the need to have access to resources. 9 Consistent with this literature, the veteran presented here had a chronic condition and symptoms of depression. He experienced a hospital admission and multiple ED visits at the start of the pandemic as well as had the consequences of inadequate supplies and financial hardship exacerbated during the pandemic.…”

“…A qualitative study focused on veterans with SCI/D and providers in the VA system speaks to the disaster preparedness of veterans with SCI/D and presents a number of suggestions that are relevant to the case discussed above. 9 For example, they speak to the role that the home care team can play in evaluating preparedness in the home and the importance of having adequate supplies. Veterans in this study also emphasized the need to have access to resources.…”

Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review

“…For instance, assisted bathing and toileting in a shelter that is not designed for frail elderly can be a safety and health concern for both the elder and the caregiver 4 20 , 21 , 34 , 41 , 44 …”

“…This lowfrequency, high-impact, resource-intensive disease process was mentioned with unexpected frequency. 4,20,21,34,41,44 All of this comes at a cost, and who pays for the services, supplies, personnel, and resources is not inconsequential. zzzz In addition to chronic disease management, the literature identified a need for policies and education regarding geriatricspecific triage, medication principles, and physiology in a resource constrained environment.…”

“…yyyyy For instance, assisted bathing and toileting in a shelter that is not designed for frail elderly can be a safety and health concern for both the elder and the caregiver. 4,20,21,34,41,44 All of this comes at a cost, and who pays for the services, supplies, personnel, and resources is not inconsequential. Duplicate prescriptions may be required to replace items lost or misplaced during the disaster.…”