Author:
Malik Sidrah,Lee David C.,Doran Kelly M.,Grudzen Corita R.,Worthing Justin,Portelli Ian,Goldfrank Lewis R.,Smith Silas W.
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectiveOlder adults are a potentially medically vulnerable population with increased mortality rates during and after disasters. To evaluate the impact of a natural disaster on this population, we performed a temporal and geospatial analysis of emergency department (ED) use by adults aged 65 years and older in New York City (NYC) following Hurricane Sandy’s landfall.MethodsWe used an all-payer claims database to analyze demographics, insurance status, geographic distribution, and health conditions for post-disaster ED visits among older adults. We compared ED patterns of use in the weeks before and after Hurricane Sandy throughout NYC and the most afflicted evacuation zones.ResultsWe found significant increases in ED utilization by older adults (and disproportionately higher in those aged ≥85 years) in the 3 weeks after Hurricane Sandy, especially in NYC evacuation zone one. Primary diagnoses with notable increases included dialysis, electrolyte disorders, and prescription refills. Secondary diagnoses highlighted homelessness and care access issues.ConclusionsOlder adults display heightened risk for worse health outcomes with increased ED visits after a disaster. Our findings suggest the need for dedicated resources and planning for older adults following a natural disaster by ensuring access to medical facilities, prescriptions, dialysis, and safe housing and by optimizing health care delivery needs to reduce the burden of chronic disease. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:184–193)
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Reference47 articles.
1. Tsunami inundation after the Great East Japan Earthquake and mortality of affected communities
2. Redfoot D , Feinberg L , Houser A . The Aging of the Baby Boom and the Growing Care Gap: A Look at Future Decline in the Availability of Family Caregivers. AARP Public Policy Institute. http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/public_policy_institute/ltc/2013/baby-boom-and-the-growing-care-gap-insight-AARP-ppi-ltc.pdf. Published August 2013. Accessed December 20, 2016.
3. Disparate Health Implications Stemming From the Propensity of Elderly and Medically Fragile Populations to Shelter in Place During Severe Storm Events
4. Preparedness for Natural Disasters Among Older US Adults: A Nationwide Survey
Cited by
55 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献