Assessment of Disaster Preparedness among the Emergency Department (ED) Population (2008)

Undergraduates: Juliana Adedoyin, Eric Foremeister and Sarah Norris

Faculty Advisor: Jane Brice
Department: Biology

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Objective: Disasters are unfortunate occurrences, and certain groups of individuals are more adversely affected than others based on their preparedness. This study investigated disaster preparedness by evaluating readiness of patients in UNC Hospital’s Emergency Department. Researchers identified associations between socio-demographic factors and the degree of disaster readiness in ED patients. Previous studies have sought to determine these factors to target those less prepared for an emergency, but have studied patients in an ED setting. Methods: IRB approval was granted for a cross-sectional study that included voluntary patients in the ED. Patients under the age of 18, institutionalized, psychiatrically unstable or prisoners were excluded. A 4-page survey was given to each patient asking about familial information, socio-demographic variables and the possession of emergency readiness supplies. Data was blocked into those with a plan and those without. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed reported having no emergency preparedness plan. Although nearly three-quarters of those who had plans reported having food and water as a part of this plan, less than half had four of the most needed components of any plan (food, water, first aid and a meeting place). Conclusion: This study found correlations between socio-demographic factors and the degree of emergency preparedness. In terms of readiness, marginalized segments of society were less-prepared for disaster situations.