Personal Disaster Preparedness of Dialysis Patients in North Carolina

Abstract

SummaryBackground and objectives Dialysis patients are among the most vulnerable patients during a disaster because they are sensitive to a lapse in treatment. Although thorough preparation could mitigate disaster effects, we hypothesized that dialysis patients' personal and medical disaster preparedness was inadequate.Design, setting, participants, & measurements This prevalence study surveyed mentally competent adults requiring care at six regional dialysis centers. We asked questions regarding demographics, general disaster preparedness utilizing Homeland Security recommended item lists, dialysis-specific preparation for an individual to shelter in place, and preparatory steps for a forced evacuation. To determine if preparedness differed by demographic variables (gender, race, age, and education) chi-squared tests were used.Results Four hundred forty-two patients were approached, and 311 (70%) completed the survey. Participants were 54% male, 60% black, average age was 58 (Ϯ 15) years, and although 79% completed high school, 50% of our sample had marginal or low health literacy. Although all units had a disaster preparedness program in place, the general disaster preparedness of most participants was poor. Age, gender, race, education, literacy, and socioeconomic status did not affect general disaster preparedness. However, home peritoneal dialysis patients were significantly more likely to be prepared for a disaster compared with hemodialysis patients. No other significant associations were noted. ConclusionsIrrespective of sociodemographic characteristics, most subjects were unprepared for a disaster. Dialysis patients were poorly prepared to shelter in place or to evacuate in the face of a disaster. Education regarding personal and dialysis-specific disaster preparedness is warranted.

Disaster Preparedness and Awareness of Patients on Hemodialysis after Hurricane Sandy

“…Our data indicate that, although a 1-point change in dialysis-specific preparedness was associated with a 9% decrease in missed dialysis sessions, there is still room to improve disaster preparedness: patients filled a median of only eight suggested items (Q1-Q3=6-9 items), comparable with the previous study by Foster et al (20).…”

Disaster Preparedness for Dialysis Patients

“…More surprising, they found that age, gender, race, education, literacy, and socioeconomic status did not affect general disaster preparedness (9). This finding should result in proactive measures among dialysis providers and emergency preparedness professionals to improve disaster preparedness in the vulnerable population (9).…”

“…In this issue of CJASN, Foster et al (9) report on personal and medical disaster preparedness among dialysis patients. Natural and manmade disasters are a constant threat to dialysis patients and providers, such that a state of constant vigilance is maintained.…”

“…Despite the plethora of disaster preparedness resources for the dialysis community, there may be a disconnection regarding the urgency among patients to implement personal dialysis plans. Foster et al (9) in this issue of CJASN highlight the gap in disaster preparation among dialysis providers and the patients for whom they provide ongoing services long term in the in-center and home environment. More surprising, they found that age, gender, race, education, literacy, and socioeconomic status did not affect general disaster preparedness (9).…”

“…Foster et al (9) in this issue of CJASN highlight the gap in disaster preparation among dialysis providers and the patients for whom they provide ongoing services long term in the in-center and home environment. More surprising, they found that age, gender, race, education, literacy, and socioeconomic status did not affect general disaster preparedness (9). This finding should result in proactive measures among dialysis providers and emergency preparedness professionals to improve disaster preparedness in the vulnerable population (9).…”