Hospital Staff Shortage after the 2011 Triple Disaster in Fukushima, Japan-An Earthquake, Tsunamis, and Nuclear Power Plant Accident: A Case of the Soso District

Abstract

IntroductionIn 2011, Fukushima was struck by a triple disaster: an earthquake, tsunamis, and a nuclear accident. In the aftermath, there was much fear among hospital staff members about radiation exposure and many staff members failed to report to work.ObjectivesOne objective is to measure this shortage in hospital staff and another is to compare the difference in recovery by hospital types and by categories of hospital staff.DesignThe monthly records of the number of staff members from May 2011 to September 2012 were extracted anonymously from the records of 7 local hospitals in the Soso district in Fukushima. Change in the number of staff was analyzed.ResultsStaff shortages at hospitals reached a maximum within one month after the disaster (47% reported to work). The shortage of clerks was the most severe (38% reported to work), followed by nurses (48% reported to work). The shortages remained even 18 months after the disaster.ConclusionAfter a disaster in which the damage to hospital functions surpasses the structural damage, massive support of human resources in the acute phase and a smaller volume of support in the mid-term phase appear to be required, particularly for non-medical staff.

A Comparative Survival Analysis Between Evacuees and Nonevacuees Among Dialysis Patients in Fukushima Prefecture After Japan’s 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Incident

“…As a result of disasters, lack of basic health care resources (including equipment, supplies, and manpower) is known to last for only weeks to months. 12 Therefore, if nonevacuation with sufficient resources is not guaranteed, evacuation could be a reasonable option. Here, the present study adds evidence on survival of evacuees after the Fukushima incident.…”

“…In this context, a unique, independent study in Fukushima could provide new insights into the strategy to prevent the disaster-related death of vulnerable people, particularly in light of the increasing severity and frequency of disasters worldwide. 12,13 Empirical evidence from Tokiwakai Group hospitals might be helpful in revealing the characteristics of evacuation of dialysis patients under certain circumstances.…”

Intensive Care Unit Preparedness During Pandemics and Other Biological Threats

“…Hospital staff can be and often are impacted personally by noninfectious disasters in their communities, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, with effects on their ability to come to work and care for patients. 20,21 In caring for patients with infectious diseases during epidemics, however, much of the risk to HCWs is a direct result of their actual work and not a general risk to their community; as such, training and institutional precautions need to be implemented to both protect staff and reduce absenteeism. 22,23 "Stuff": Supply Requirements for Pandemic Preparedness…”

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