Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Oct. 24, 2024

Natural disasters can severely disrupt cancer care delivery systems, compromising the continuity and quality of oncological services.1 This issue has been a subject growing concern since Hurricane Katrina in 2005,2 with 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake further intensifying research discussions.3-6 Recent events, including 2015 Nepal Earthquake,7 2017 Hurricanes Irma Maria Puerto Rico,8 2023 Morocco earthquake,9 have highlighted critical need for effective management strategies during disasters, particularly low- middle-income countries (LMICs). These incidents demonstrate that impact on varies significantly based their nature, severity, resources available affected regions.In disaster preparedness response, protecting vulnerable populations, especially elderly, is crucial due to heightened susceptibility adverse health outcomes.10 relevant high-income like Japan, where 29.1% population 65 or older,11 (LMICs), projected house 80% world's elderly by 2030.12 While patients gained attention academic literature,13 there remains insufficient discussion managing disaster-stricken super-aged societies (where over 21% are older). distinction significant, as communities may be inherently more struggle respond without external support, presenting unique challenges maintaining crises.Here, we would present case Oku-Noto region, it exemplifies response society. area's reaches an unprecedented 48.9%,14 far exceeding Japan's national average. On January 1, 2024, Noto Peninsula caused significant damage Ishikawa, resulting 241 deaths February 16, 2024.15 event provides study examining societies.In Oku-Noto, was previous cases,5,8 acute phase earthquake most likely time treatment interruptions delays cancer. In earthquake's areas, many people were forced evacuate outside region early subsequent destruction buildings infrastructure. Preliminary observations indicate medical institutions effectively collaborated maintain disaster's initial phase. Notably, Wajima Municipal Hospital, primary healthcare facility City - which reported 102 disaster-related fatalities coordinated referral numerous facilities. exact number referred undetermined, this proactive approach ensured uninterrupted despite challenging circumstances. Such seamless coordination patient referrals amid major represents accomplishment services, addressing challenge Earthquake.5 The second author manuscript, professionally engaged at hospital, firsthand insight into these efforts.Conversely, faces pressing providing medium long-term patients. As nearly seven months elapsed earthquake, ongoing infrastructure restoration, evacuees gradually returning areas. Of particular psychological impacts patients, recent scoping review.13 Moreover, considering potential physical effects pronounced among population,16 older might require extensive support upon return. However, seen after Earthquake,17 experiencing exodus personnel, nurses. impacted staffing region. Reports end fiscal year March, Hospital lost approximately 25% its nursing staff about 30 out 120 nurses.18 trend not isolated; across Peninsula, total 60 nurses departed from positions four public hospitals region.19 Consequently, beds dramatically decreased 538 pre-earthquake just 240 June reduction than 55%.20 substantial decline both bed capacity undoubtedly compromised region's ability provide comprehensive care, services.Following restoration mid-March, begun incrementally recovering plans resume surgical operations March 21, reopening outpatient chemotherapy April. improvements, continues face reminiscent those observed Limited internet access restricts elderly's obtain information, while transportation barriers impede locally beyond.In Japanese Nursing Association (JNA) dispatched 2,982 areas 6 29.21 JNA local authorities meet on-ground needs recruited longer-term assignments (one month two years) hospitals, 13 deployed July's end.20 sustainable nurse deployment system aims address immediate shortages build resilience integrating temporary chronic conditions cancer, consideration.In respect, integrated home offers viable solution supporting disaster-affected long term. model requires fewer hospital providers travel patients' homes. demanding deeper understanding contexts, home-based alleviates strain, personalized familiar settings, potentially improves outcomes valuable traditional care.Our offer insights extend beyond geographical boundaries. area serves microcosm demographic future, mirroring nation's structure 40 years. scenario replicated other global populations age. priorities include: ensuring isolated regions, developing flexible networks, exodus, implementing less mobile creating models through dispatch programs. measures aim resilient capable withstanding adapting situations aging Other also adapt Oku-Noto's lessons resources: high-resource nations prioritize advanced transfer systems telemedicine, lower-resource focus basic community support. Key include tailoring demographics resources, training workers oncology specialist challenging. experience ultimately calls international collaboration adaptable best practices worldwide.

Language: Английский