Mortality in Nursing Homes Following Emergency Evacuation: A Systematic Review

Willoughby, Melissa; Kipsaina, Chebiwot; Ferrah, Noha; Blau, Soren; Bugeja, Lyndal; Ranson, David; Ibrahim, Joseph E.

doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2017.02.005

Cited by 40 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Krstic and Henderson ( 37 ) illustrated this problem when they evaluated satellite data to assess smoke exposure before and after 41 community evacuations for poor air quality associated with wildfires and found that air pollution had peaked prior to the evacuation in around half of all cases. This is noteworthy, as the benefit of relocation must be balanced against the potential harms, especially for higher risk groups, such as older people ( 38 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Health Messaging During Extreme Smoke Events: Are We Hitting the Mark?

Marfori

Campbell

Garvey³

et al. 2020

Front. Public Health

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Background: Emergency services working to protect communities from harm during wildfires aim to provide regular public advisories on the hazards from fire and smoke. However, there are few studies evaluating the success of public health communications regarding the management of smoke exposure. We explored the responses to smoke-related health advisories of people living in a severely smoke-affected region during extensive wildfires in Tasmania, Australia early in 2019. We also evaluated the acceptability of portable high efficiency particle air (HEPA) cleaners used in study participant's homes during the smoky period. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 households in the Huon Valley region of Tasmania following a severe smoke episode. These households were initially recruited into a HEPA cleaner study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for common themes using an inductive framework approach. Results: Public health messaging during the 2019 wildfire event in Tasmania was widely shared and understood, with social media playing a central role. However, some participants expressed concerns about the timeliness and effectiveness of the recommended interventions, and some would have appreciated more detailed information about the health risks from smoke. Public messages and actions to protect households from wildfire threat were, at times, contradictory or dominated in coverage over the smoke messaging, and many participants were conflicted with the multiple public messages and action relating to the more serious perceived threat from the fire. Conclusions: Public messaging about smoke and health should continue to use multiple avenues of communication, with a focus on simple messages provided through social media. Messaging about the smoke hazard should be available from a trusted central source regarding all aspects of the wildfire emergency, with links to more detailed information including local air quality data alongside interpretation of the associated health risks.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public Health Messaging During Extreme Smoke Events: Are We Hitting the Mark?

Marfori

Campbell

Garvey³

et al. 2020

Front. Public Health

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“…Temporary relocation to a different area or city could reduce exposure to air pollution during localised but persistent smoke episodes. However, relocation has its own risks and is impractical (particularly for older people and for those with cognitive or mobility problems), especially when larger geographical areas are affected by smoke . Temporary relocation to a dwelling with better indoor air quality (eg, a modern air conditioned apartment) within the same neighbourhood may be a more practical and less stressful solution for those at higher risk (eg, people with severe asthma, pregnant women, and older people).…”

Section: Health Protection Advice and Trade‐offsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bushfire smoke: urgent need for a national health protection strategy

Vardoulakis

Jalaludin

Morgan³

et al. 2020

Medical Journal of Australia

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“…In the United States, mortality and morbidity were higher in people with dementia evacuated after a disaster than in controls or during previous periods . A recent systematic review confirmed statistically higher mortality in ten studies . Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, caregivers noted cognitive decline in about one‐third of evacuees from RACFs .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

A national survey of aged care facility managers’ views of preparedness for natural disasters relevant to residents with dementia

et al. 2019

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Objective The aim was to explore the natural disaster preparedness strategies of Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs), focussing on aspects relevant to people with dementia. Methods An online survey was sent to 2617 RACF managers, with 416 responding. Questions included the following: (a) demographics; (b) presence and detail level of disaster/evacuation plans; and (c) references to people with dementia. Results One in four facilities had experienced a natural disaster in the previous five years. The majority had plans for natural disaster and evacuation. Two‐thirds recognised the unique needs of people with dementia. Managers anticipated that residents with dementia would require more staff time and resources and might become disoriented. Conclusions Gaps identified in existing RACF evacuation plans highlighted challenges in ensuring the ongoing safety and care of residents, especially those with dementia. Facilities need to have adequate plans and processes that minimise the potential risks of natural disasters.

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Mortality in Nursing Homes Following Emergency Evacuation: A Systematic Review

Cited by 40 publications

References 25 publications

Public Health Messaging During Extreme Smoke Events: Are We Hitting the Mark?

Public Health Messaging During Extreme Smoke Events: Are We Hitting the Mark?

Bushfire smoke: urgent need for a national health protection strategy

A national survey of aged care facility managers’ views of preparedness for natural disasters relevant to residents with dementia

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