Bridging the Gap, How Interprofessional Collaboration Can Support Family-Centered Emergency Preparedness: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUND Children with disabilities and their families are at higher risk during emergencies and disasters, which is often attributed to the lack of disability inclusion in emergency response as well as disparities in preparedness. This disparity speaks to a need for emergency preparedness that centers children with disabilities and their families. The goal of this study was to provide recommendations for practice and policy to better support family-centered emergency preparedness inclusive of children who have disabilities, with the ultimate objective of improving safety outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in emergency situations. METHODS This study consisted of 46 qualitative interviews with nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, public safety professionals, and advocacy organization representatives about their role in emergency preparedness for families of children with disabilities. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes from participants’ responses. RESULTS Participants expressed interest in family-centered emergency preparedness, and stated that greater awareness, more education and training, increased networking between professions, and institutional support would enable their involvement. CONCLUSIONS These findings have implications for the importance of interprofessional collaboration in supporting family-centered emergency preparedness for families of children with disabilities. Stronger interprofessional networks would help overcome many of the barriers identified by participants, and advocacy groups appear to be well-positioned to bridge the gap between these professionals and their areas of expertise.