1. Introduction: Frameworks for disaster research

Abstract

For the most part, research and evaluations of disasters have lacked a standardised approach necessary to form a scientific basis for the discipline of health disaster. There has been an abundance of epidemiological research and quasi-scientific reports. However, for the most part, these have been devoid of rigorous scientific methodology. As such, it has been difficult to translate lessons learned in previous disasters into effective disaster prevention, mitigation, and interventions with a better outcome. Interventional research consists of evaluations of responses (actions) during and following disasters or evaluations of preparedness actions. Moreover, disaster research has been spread widely among a host of peer-reviewed journals in various disciplines. A substantial portion of the information on disaster management and response currently available resides in the grey literature in the form of after-action reports and projects provided by intergovernmental organisations such as United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations. Most of the peer-reviewed disaster literature has been in the form of case reports. These factors have contributed to the difficulty in synthesising the findings and have impaired the development of the science of health disaster. The lack of a common terminology for health disaster further impedes the development of the science. Thus, we have not optimised our ability to prevent destructive events from occurring (when possible), mitigate the damage resulting from such events, and/or optimise the responses to a disaster, when they occur. In an effort to provide the structure needed to develop the science associated with disaster health, four frameworks have been proposed in these Guidelines: (1) conceptual; (2) structural; (3) operational; and (4) scientific. The first three frameworks provide the common language and the deconstruction of the elements involved in or present in a disaster scenario. The structural framework is further divided into two main parts, the longitudinal and the transectional structure. The last framework addresses the applicable scientific methods and how to translate this science to the stakeholders to be incorporated into actionable plans. The identification of key generic structures is essential for understanding the pathophysiology of disasters and the preparedness for, as well as the responses to them. Further, the essential concepts of priorities, interrelationships, administration, assessments, identification of needs, selection and planning of interventions, implementation, evaluation, and information are described in separate chapters. A consensus must be sought for a commonly accepted terminology for health disaster research.