J Agric Med Community Health.
2018 Jun;43(2):63-73. 10.5393/JAMCH.2018.43.2.063.
Status and Issues on Disaster Preparation Programs in Public Health Center
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Nursing, Chodang University, Korea. yoohyangcho@naver.com
- 2Department of Nursing, Dongshin University, Korea.
- 3Department of Health and Welfare, Dokushima Bunka University, Korea.
- KMID: 2436354
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2018.43.2.063
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to review the disaster preparation and response programs and the status of disaster preparation in public health center.
METHODS
In depth interview was performed in September 2017 using 5 open questions to the persons who are in charge of disaster response services in 5 public health centers of different levels in Korea. The questions included general characteristics of public health center, disaster programs and future issues. The research hired a quality method.
RESULTS
In general, the persons in charge recognized the cooperative agency of local government in disaster management. There were no disaster preparation programs developed by the public health centers. Most of the preparation were passive activities such as emergency support, crisis management on communicable disease and quarantine, participation in biological disaster response training, and education etc. The persons in charge emphasized necessity of disaster preparation programs.
CONCLUSIONS
Disaster preparation and responsiveness is an evolving issue in public health centers in Korea. Medical support system and communicable disease management system are being set up in the national level. A comprehensive system covering health management, nutritional support, mental health, environment management of shelter, and volunteers supports on public health center level needs to be developed along with a easy-to-follow manual.
