Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #122322

Limor Ahoronson-Daniel, PhD and Kobi Peleg, Phd, MPH. Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Israel National Center for Trauma and Emergency, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Israel, 972-2-5354252 ext 125, limorad@gertner.health.gov.il

Background

Wreckage, fear, disruption and displacement impede the application of common epidemiological research techniques in disaster situations. Study design and statistical methods may thus deviate from common approaches, yet the strive for accepted scientific standards in regard to sampling and drawing conclusions, prevail.

Aim

Disaster medicine research aims to provide information that could support decision making, improve preparedness, help set apt policy, minimize damage and save lives in current disasters as well as provide the necessary knowledge-base for improving preparedness and provision of medical care in future disasters. Studies should be based on structured, scientifically credible research and focus on the medical aspects of the disaster, the management of medical care and appropriate patient care.

Methods

In disaster medicine research evidence may be lost during rescue, evacuation, cleanup and recovery, encouraging quick action for obtaining as much relevant data as possible, even if clear study goals have not been set. However, study initiation due to infrastructure damage or ongoing risk to researchers may postpone study.

Methods for disaster research draw from different fields: Medical research, clinical, epidemiological, management research with application of operations research, risk, cost and decision making analysis. Methods like debriefing utilize data collected to formulate lessons learned. Hazard reduction research and risk analysis of medical aspects of disasters and medical management are also used.

Successful research and handling of future disasters largely rely on the evolution of a common language across the multiple disciplines associated with disasters that will enhance communication and help prevent duplication of efforts.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session participants will be able to

• Describe the goals of disaster medicine research.
• Understand the difficulties associated with disaster research.

Keywords: Disasters,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered