Public Healthcare Deliveries during the Flood Disaster, Challenges and Way Forward: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Flood is a destructive natural disaster with severe effects on public health. While policies exist to guide public health interventions during floods, there is limited understanding of the vulnerabilities and challenges in this sector. To address this gap, this article reviews the challenges and proposes a way forward for public health interventions in flood disasters. Methodology: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was used for this review. The review involves several methodological steps, systematic searching strategies based on identification, screening, and eligibility on two established databases which are Scopus and Pubmed, followed by quality appraisal, and data extraction and inductive thematic analysis. Results: A total of 15 articles were selected in this review. Based on the thematic analysis, five themes were developed under the challenges: (1) healthcare constraint, (2) individual related, (3) health risks, (4) infrastructure condition, and (5) inadequate planning and preparedness. Further analysis of the theme has resulted in 22 subthemes. Meanwhile, another five themes were developed under the way forward, which are: (1) planning and preparedness, (2) health policy, programs, and technology, (3) training and capacity building, (4) information seeking and monitoring, and (5) government and organizational support. Subsequent analysis found 16 subthemes. Conclusion: Public health practitioner, disaster management team, and policy maker can anticipate several challenges that could arise from the flood disaster. An effective public healthcare delivery requires a coordinated response from government agencies, healthcare providers, and the affected communities, to ensure the provision of timely and appropriate healthcare services.