Mobile Healthcare in Disasters

Stephen Day, CEO, Heartland Clinics of America, Inc.

[email protected]

www.heartland-clinics.com

Mobile healthcare in disasters can be a life saver in areas where medical facilities are unavailable, or access is restricted. Mobile clinics can provide diagnosis and treatment for both emergency and non-emergency patients. They can also dispense medicines in areas where other health facilities have been shut down and cannot replenish their stocks. The duration of a mobile clinic depends on the number of patients it can serve.

Our Heartland Clinics mobile units will be normally used for rural healthcare. At times of disaster, we can deploy some or all the units within CONUS in 48-72 hours, depending upon need.

By partnering with the US Public Health Service, FEMA and each state’s Emergency Management Agencies, as well as local Fire/EMS departments, we can provide a quick, trained medical response force.?We will NOT wait until bureaucrats and large corporation management wades through a long decision process. ?When people are suffering, we will deploy.

WE KNOW OUR MISSION and WE WILL ACT!

?Mobile clinics in Emergency Healthcare Management

?Mobile clinics are often deployed during in disaster and humanitarian crises. Heartland can provide curative and preventive healthcare services with clear referral pathways. in humanitarian settings. One limitation is that they are often limited in coverage. In addition, they may not be able to provide continuity of care for chronic illnesses.?

However, Heartland Clinics can provide electronic health records on patient encounters to the primary care provider of record. With advanced satellite and cellular services linking the patients to their own doctors, if available. If unavailable, Heartland Clinics licensed practitioners will provide care and, if needed, connect with top specialists from major hospitals and practice groups.?

?In humanitarian emergencies, the most common health problems include diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, measles, and malaria. Additionally, due to the displacement of people, access to safe water and food becomes difficult, making it difficult to provide essential health care. This is made even more difficult by reduced care seeking behavior. Infections transmitted through contaminated water are also a major health threat.?

One concern that is rarely mentioned after disasters is mental health??After Hurricanes Maria pounded Puerto Rico and Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast and New Orleans, there was much underserved mental health issues. Recently, in eastern Kentucky, 38 lives were lost in the flooding.?What does not make the headlines are the mental health of the survivors.?Family members, neighbors of those lost, and others who lost homes or their livelihoods were not being served. Our RNs, NPs, PAs and MDs will be vigilant to spot signs of mental or behavioral issues after the disaster.?Increased drug or alcohol, and other chronic conditions must be identified, and care provided. ?We must be watchful for potential suicide risks.

Cost

During disasters, mobile clinics are an excellent option to serve patients. They can be set up at a remote location and can provide diagnostic and non-emergency care for displaced people, who are unable to travel to a health facility. During the recovery stage, mobile clinics can provide medicines and follow-up care to prevent the spread of disease. In addition, mobile clinics can be equipped to dispense medicines, which can be vital for disaster response.

Mobile health clinics are largely funded by government and philanthropic support. However, many clinics rely on private donations and health insurance companies for funding. Overall, 38% reported receiving federal funds, 45% received philanthropic support, and 32 percent reported client payments.?Our requirements for investments, grants, and income are similar.

Logistical burden

A mobile health clinic (MHC) can be a lifesaver in a disaster, especially during the initial phase of the response, when roads are inaccessible and other health facilities are out of commission. A mobile health clinic can diagnose and treat patients without relying on emergency medical teams. It can also dispense medicines, which is especially helpful in cut-off areas where access to health care facilities is non-existent.

The number of MHCs required during an emergency disaster response depends on the size of the disaster. A simulation based on MHCs and their capacity can provide a rough estimate of how many will be needed. The cost of setting up a mobile health clinic is low compared to the cost of acquiring a stationary medical facility. However, a mobile health clinic may only be effective if it's located in an area where it can reach patients.

Time-inefficiency

Mobile health care can be a critical component of disaster response. While it is unlikely that our mobile teams can deliver comprehensive packages of care, they can offer a variety of essential services. One example is the provision of preventive care and health education. A mobile clinic is likely to have an advantage over a fixed facility in detecting early clusters of disease. This early detection enables rapid response and containment of outbreaks.

?Impact

In emergency disaster response, mobile health clinics are a useful means to provide healthcare to people without access to regular health care. Such clinics can provide diagnostic services, follow-up services, and dispensary supplies to people who have no other means of obtaining health care. Moreover, they can help reduce the costs of establishing health facilities by providing temporary solutions to patients' needs.

Heartland can provide both mobile clinics AND quick-deployable shelters, similar to military field hospitals.?

Heartland Clinics will be a trusted resource for local and state Public health and Emergency Management Agencies.??