How to Involve Special Needs Populations in the Development of a Mass-Prophylaxis Plan: Best Practices

Background/Purpose: The identification and inclusion of a diverse population's special needs (cultural, language and functional) is vital for successful emergency management. This paper describes the steps in the process of obtaining accurate and current information on issues of accessibility and acceptability of Points of Dispensing (PODs) as perceived by providers of service as well as members of the vulnerable hard-to-reach populations. Methods: Conducted 25 key informant interviews and 8 community focus groups with 10 to 12 participants/group, (African American, Cambodian, Latino, Homeless, developmentally disabled, vision impaired, deaf/hard-of-hearing, mobility impaired). All key informant interviews and focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Spanish and Khmer focus groups were transcribed and translated into English. Qualitative analysis focused on extracting common themes and identifying the gaps between perceptions of providers of services and appropriate accommodations for vulnerable populations. Results/Outcomes: (1) Bridge “knowledge gap” between emergency response personnel and members of special needs populations, (2) Utilize special needs populations' strong desire for volunteerism to assist in mass prophylaxis activities, and (3) Address the critical need for transportation. Conclusions: In order to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality before, during and after a public health emergency it is essential to integrate the perspectives of special needs populations in the planning and implementation of emergency preparedness.