Update in Disaster Rehabilitation

Abstract

Disasters (both natural and man-made) are escalating worldwide, resulting in a significant increase in survivors with complex and long-term disabling injuries. Physical and rehabilitation medicine is integral in disaster management and should be included in all phases of the disaster management continuum, which comprise mitigation/ prevention, preparation, response, and recovery phases. This Joel A. DeLisa Lecture was presented on February 11, 2021, at the Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual Scientific Meeting-"Physiatry 21." The lecture highlights the synergistic position of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and the Disaster Rehabilitation Committee, to provide crucial leadership and governance role in liaison and coordination with the World Health Organization (and other stakeholders), to provide rehabilitation input during future disasters.

Challenges and Opportunities in Academic Physiatry

“…Given physiatry’s interdisciplinary nature and holistic approach, the field has a prominent role to play in responding to crises by planning for patient recovery and disease reemergence. Responding to events such as natural disasters and pandemics demonstrates the impact of physiatry in providing high-value, cost-effective, and expeditious care 15 . The lack of physiatrists and essential rehabilitation services in many world regions will result in additional vulnerabilities during times of crisis and underscores the need to strengthen and expand the role of physiatry in both international and local healthcare systems.…”

“…Responding to events such as natural disasters and pandemics demonstrates the impact of physiatry in providing high-value, cost-effective, and expeditious care. 15 The lack of physiatrists and essential rehabilitation services in many world regions will result in additional vulnerabilities during times of crisis and underscores the need to strengthen and expand the role of physiatry in both international and local healthcare systems. The field of physiatry should be nimble, proactive, and prepared to embrace these challenges as they occur.…”