Advancing emergency preparedness for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in the community: a scoping review
Background: Community-based service providers are optimally positioned to contribute to the inclusion of people with disability and chronic health conditions in community-level disaster risk reduction. However, little is known about how to enable emergency preparedness within existing community health care, disability, and rehabilitation service delivery.
Purpose: This study synthesised findings from a scoping review of the literature on how community-based service providers can enable emergency preparedness for clients in the community. Emphasis was placed on the practice scope of service providers undertaking this emerging role, the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to enable preparedness in others, and the current tools and training available to support service providers.
Method: Six electronic databases, hand and cited searches were undertaken to identify studies for inclusion. In total, 24 publications were included.
Results: Providers have competencies in conducting functional assessments that make them well-suited to enabling emergency preparedness with clients. Findings revealed seven provider responsibilities associated with this role and eight tools and training resources to support providers.
Conclusion: Whilst community-based service providers are willing and optimally placed to enact these roles, they require additional support to do so in a manner that espouses values of inclusion and enablement.Implications for Rehabilitation
A wide range of community-based service providers are willing to leverage their role to enable emergency preparedness with clients in the community.
Research is needed to understand how to optimise the expertise of diverse health care, disability and rehabilitation providers in facilitating emergency preparedness with clients.
Strengths-based tools are needed to increase client self-sufficiency in preparing for and responding to emergencies.
Enablement processes should guide the development of emergency preparedness as a critically important and emerging role for community-based service providers.
Disability and rehabilitation professionals can use this scoping review to self-assess their capacity and develop opportunities to embed emergency preparedness into routine practice with clients.
A wide range of community-based service providers are willing to leverage their role to enable emergency preparedness with clients in the community.
Research is needed to understand how to optimise the expertise of diverse health care, disability and rehabilitation providers in facilitating emergency preparedness with clients.
Strengths-based tools are needed to increase client self-sufficiency in preparing for and responding to emergencies.
Enablement processes should guide the development of emergency preparedness as a critically important and emerging role for community-based service providers.
Disability and rehabilitation professionals can use this scoping review to self-assess their capacity and develop opportunities to embed emergency preparedness into routine practice with clients.
