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Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Applying telehealth in natural and anthropogenic disasters

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Simmons S, Alverson D, Poropatich R, D'Iorio J, DeVany M, Doarn CR
2008
Telemedicine Journal and E-Health : The Official Journal of The American Telemedicine Association. 14 (9): 968-971

There are myriad telehealth applications for natural or anthropogenic disaster response. Telehealth technologies and methods have been demonstrated in a variety of real and simulated disasters. Telehealth is a force multiplier, providing medical and public health expertise at a distance, minimizing the logistic and safety issues associated with on-site care provision. Telehealth provides a virtual surge capacity, enabling physicians and other health professionals from around the world to assist overwhelmed local health and medical personnel with the increased demand for services postdisaster. There are several categories of telehealth applications in disaster response, including ambulatory/primary care, specialty consultation, remote monitoring, and triage, medical logistics, and transportation coordination. External expertise would be connected via existing telehealth networks in the disaster area or specially deployed telehealth systems in shelters or on-scene. This paper addresses the role of telehealth in disaster response and recommends a roadmap for its widespread use in preparing for and responding to natural and anthropogenic disasters.

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Resource Description

    Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster
    • Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster: Hurricane
    General Geographic Feature
    Global or Unspecified Location
    General Health Impact
    Research Article
    Adaptation, Communication, Health Sector Influence
    • Adaptation, Communication, Health Sector Influence: Adaptation Co-Benefit/Co-Harm, Intervention, Resilience
    • Adaptation, Communication, Health Sector Influence: Policymaker
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