Assignment task:
Develop a disaster recovery plan to reduce health disparities and improve access to community services after a disaster. Then develop and record a 10-12 slide presentation (please refer to the PowerPoint tutorial) of the plan with audio and speaker notes for the local system, city officials, and the disaster relief team.
Professional Context:
Nurses perform a variety of roles and their responsibilities as health care providers extend to the community. The decisions we make daily and in times of crisis often involve the balancing of human rights with medical necessities, equitable access to services, legal and ethical mandates, and financial constraints. In the event of a major accident or natural disaster, many issues can complicate decisions concerning the needs of an individual or group, including understanding and upholding rights and desires, mediating conflict, and applying established ethical and legal standards of nursing care. As a nurse, you must be knowledgeable about disaster preparedness and recovery to safeguard those in your care. As an advocate, you are also accountable for promoting equitable services and quality care for the diverse community.
Nurses work alongside first responders, other professionals, volunteers, and the health department to safeguard the community. Some concerns during a disaster and recovery period include the possibility of death and infectious disease due to debris and/or contamination of the water, air, food supply, or environment. Various degrees of injury may also occur during disasters, terrorism, and violent conflicts.
To maximize survival, first responders must use a triage system to assign victims according to the severity of their condition/prognosis in order to allocate equitable resources and provide treatment. During infectious disease outbreaks, triage does not take the place of routine clinical triage.
Trace-mapping becomes an important step to interrupting the spread of all infectious diseases to prevent or curtail morbidity and mortality in the community. A vital step in trace-mapping is the identification of the infectious individual or group and isolating or quarantining them. During the trace-mapping process, these individuals are interviewed to identify those who have had close contact with them. Contacts are notified of their potential exposure, testing referrals become paramount, and individuals are connected with appropriate services they might need during the self-quarantine period (CDC, 2020).
An example of such disaster is the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. People who had contact with someone who were in contact with the COVID-19 virus were encouraged to stay home and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others until 14 days after their last exposure to a person with COVID-19. Contacts were required to monitor themselves by checking their temperature twice daily and watching for symptoms of COVID-19 (CDC, 2020). Local, state, and health department guidelines were essential in establishing the recovery phase. Triage Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the case of COVID-19 focused on inpatient and outpatient health care facilities that would be receiving, or preparing to receive, suspected, or confirmed COVID- 19 victims. Controlling droplet transmission through hand washing, social distancing, self-quarantine, PPE, installing barriers, education, and standardized triage algorithm/questionnaires became essential to the triage system (CDC, 2020; WHO, 2020).
Preparation:
When disaster strikes, community members must be protected. A comprehensive recovery plan, guided by the MAP-IT (Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, Track) framework, is essential to help ensure everyone's safety. The unique needs of residents must be assessed to reduce health disparities and improve access to equitable services after a disaster. Recovery efforts depend on the appropriateness of the plan, the extent to which key stakeholders have been prepared, the quality of the trace-mapping, and the allocation of available resources. In a time of cost containment, when personnel and resources may be limited, the needs of residents must be weighed carefully against available resources.
In this assessment, you will assume the role of the senior nurse at a regional hospital who has been assigned to develop a disaster recovery plan for the community using MAP-IT and trace-mapping, which you will present to city officials and the disaster relief team.
Review the full scenario and associated data in the Assessment Supplement: Disaster Recover Plan (illustrated below).
You are also encouraged to complete the Disaster Preparedness and Management activity. The information gained from completing this activity will help you succeed with the assessment as you think through key issues in disaster preparedness and management in the community or workplace. Completing activities is also a way to demonstrate engagement.
Begin thinking about:
- Community needs.
- Resources, personnel, budget, and community makeup.
- People accountable for implementation of the disaster recovery plan.
- Healthy People 2020 goals and 2030 objectives.
- A timeline for the recovery effort.
You may also wish to:
1. Review the MAP-IT (Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Track) framework, which you will use to guide the development of your plan:
- Mobilize collaborative partners.
- Assess community needs.
- Plan to lessen health disparities and improve access to services.
- Implement a plan to reach Healthy People 2020 goals or 2030 objectives.
- Track community progress.
2. Review the assessment instructions and scoring guide to ensure that you understand the work you will be asked to complete.
Note: Every 10 years, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion release information on health indicators, public health issues, and current trends. At the end of 2020, Healthy People 2030 was released to provide information for the next 10 years. Healthy People 2030 provides the most updated content when it comes to prioritizing public health issues; however, there are historical contents that offer a better understanding of some topics. Disaster preparedness is addressed in Healthy People 2030, but a more robust understanding of MAP-IT, triage, and recovery efforts is found in Healthy People 2020. For this reason, you will find references to both Healthy People 2020 and Healthy People 2030 in this course.
Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center's Writing Support page.
Note: If you require the use of assistive technology or alternative communication methods to participate in this activity, please contact [email protected] to request accommodations.
Note: Complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.
Then complete the following:
1. Develop a disaster recovery plan for the community that will reduce health disparities and improve access to services after a disaster.
- Assess community needs.
- Consider resources, personnel, budget, and community makeup.
- Identify the people accountable for implementation of the plan and describe their roles.
- Focus on specific Healthy People 2020 goals and 2030 objectives.
- Include a timeline for the recovery effort.
2. Apply the MAP-IT (Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, Track) framework to guide the development of your plan:
i. Mobilize collaborative partners.
ii. Assess community needs.
- Use the demographic data and specifics related to the disaster to identify the needs of the community and develop a recovery plan. Consider physical, emotional, cultural, and financial needs of the entire community.
- Include in your plan the equitable allocation of services for the diverse community.
- Apply the triage classification to provide a rationale for those who may have been injured during the train derailment. Provide support for your position.
- Include in your plan contact tracing of the homeless, disabled, displaced community members, migrant workers, and those who have hearing impairment or English as a second language in the event of severe tornadoes.
iii. Plan to reduce health disparities and improve access to services.
iv. Implement a plan to reach Healthy People 2020 goals and 2030 objectives.
v. Track and trace-map community progress.
- Use the CDC's Contract Tracing Resources for Health Departments as a template to create your contact tracing.
- Describe the plan for contact tracing during the disaster and recovery phase.
3. Develop a slide presentation of your disaster recovery plan with an audio recording of you presenting your assessment of the scenario and associated data in the Assessment Supplement: Disaster Recover Plan resource for city officials and the disaster relief team. Be sure to also include speaker notes.
Presentation Format and Length:
You may use Microsoft PowerPoint (preferred) or other suitable presentation software to create your slides and add your voice-over along with speaker notes. If you elect to use an application other than PowerPoint, check with your instructor to avoid potential file compatibility issues.
Be sure that your slide deck includes the following slides:
1. Title slide.
- Recovery plan title.
- Your name.
- Date.
- Course number and title.
2. References (at the end of your presentation).
Your slide deck should consist of 10-12 content slides plus title and references slides. Use the speaker's notes section of each slide to develop your talking points and cite your sources as appropriate. Be sure to also include a transcript that matches your recorded voice-over. The transcript can be submitted on a separate Word document. Make sure to review the Microsoft PowerPoint tutorial for directions.
Assessment - Disaster Recovery Plan
In this assessment, you will assume the role of the senior nurse at a regional hospital who has been assigned to develop a disaster recovery plan for the community using MAP-IT and trace mapping, which you will present to city officials and the disaster relief team.
Before you complete the detailed instructions in the course room, first review the full scenario and associated data below. Please refer back to this resource as necessary while you complete your assessment.
Introduction:
For a health care facility to be able to fill its role in the community, it must actively plan not only for normal operation, but also for worst-case scenarios which could occur. In such disasters, the hospital's services will be particularly crucial, even if the specifics of the disaster make it more difficult for the facility to stay open.
As the senior nurse at Lake Park Hospital, you play a vital role in ensuring the hospital's readiness for disasters and its ability to recover from them. The hospital administrator wants to discuss disaster preparedness and recovery with you. Before the conversation, it would be helpful to familiarize yourself with the background information on events that have occurred in
Lake Park in recent years, including the involvement of the hospital.
Background:
Investigate further for relevant background information.
Headline: "COVID-19 Crisis Hits Lake Park, Exposing Socioeconomic Disparities"
Date: July 15, 2020
Lake Park, GA - The tranquil rural community of Lake Park has been thrust into the spotlight as it grapples with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has not only exposed the vulnerabilities of the healthcare system but has also highlighted the socioeconomic disparities that have long plagued the area.
Lake Park, with a population of approximately 30,000 people, has faced significant challenges in responding to the pandemic. The lack of healthcare infrastructure and limited access to medical resources have made it difficult for residents to receive timely and adequate care. The nearest hospital is located 60 miles away, posing a significant barrier for those in need of critical medical attention.
Furthermore, the demographics of Lake Park contribute to the vulnerability of its residents.
According to recent studies, rural communities, particularly those with low socioeconomic status, face higher risks during disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These populations often have limited access to healthcare, lower levels of education, and higher rates of poverty, making them more susceptible to the virus and its consequences.
The impact of the pandemic on Lake Park has been far-reaching. The local economy, heavily reliant on industries such as agriculture and tourism, has been severely affected. Many businesses have shuttered, leading to widespread job losses and economic instability. The closure of schools and limited access to remote learning resources has also disrupted the education of Lake Park's youth, exacerbating existing educational disparities.
Fact Sheet: Lake Park, GA
Population: 30,000
Median Household Income: $58,000
Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line: 20%
Racial/Ethnic Composition:
White: 55%
Black: 35%
Hispanic 5%
Two or more races: 3%
Other race: 2%
Education
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+: 84.0%
Bachelor's degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+: 18.5%
Health
With a disability, under age 65 years: 10.8%
Persons without health insurance, under age 65 years: 12.5%
Income & Poverty
Median household income: $37,476
Per capita income in past 12 months: $20,274
Persons in poverty: 23.0%
Interprofessional Staff Interviews
Dr. Luisa Gonzalez, Hospital Administrator: "Good morning, everyone. As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous difficulties and challenges for our healthcare system.
Today, let's reflect on the past and discuss the impact it had on our interprofessional medical team, including the difficulties we faced, the mortality rates, and the positive impacts we made."
Nurse Kaley Grant, ICU: "Absolutely, Dr. Smith. The pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges, especially for those in low socioeconomic status (SES). We witnessed how people in poverty and with low incomes were disproportionately affected by the virus. The disparities in healthcare access and quality became even more apparent during this crisis. It was disheartening to see the high rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths in our communities."
Dr. Linh Boswell, Psychiatrist: "Yes, the mortality rates were devastating. We lost many patients despite our best efforts to provide care. The difficulty in containing the pandemic was exacerbated by demographic shifts and the rise of globalization and urbanization. It was a constant struggle to keep up with the overwhelming number of cases and the strain it put on our healthcare system."
Bill Reiner, Social Worker: "The impact on mental health was also significant. Many individuals experienced isolation, anxiety, and grief due to the loss of loved ones. We had to adapt our support services to meet the increased demand for mental health resources. It was challenging to provide the necessary emotional support remotely and address the unique needs of each patient."
Dr. Tom Sowka, Pharmacist: "On a positive note, our interprofessional team showed great resilience during the pandemic. We worked together to ensure that our patients received the best possible care despite the challenges we faced. Our collaboration and communication were crucial in navigating the complexities of the situation."
Dr. Luisa Gonzalez, Hospital Administrator: "Absolutely, Tom. Our ability to adapt and work as a cohesive team was commendable. We implemented new protocols, shared information and resources, and supported each other throughout the crisis. Our dedication to patient care and our commitment to each other's well-being made a significant impact."
Nurse Kaley Grant, ICU: "I also want to highlight the positive impact we made in our community. Despite the difficulties, we provided essential healthcare services to those in need.
Our efforts to educate the public, promote preventive measures, and administer vaccines played a vital role in mitigating the spread of the virus."
Bill Reiner, Social Worker: "That's true, Nurse Johnson. We were able to provide support not only to our patients but also to their families. Our collaboration with community organizations and the establishment of interprofessional communication teams helped ensure that families received the information and resources they needed during such a challenging time."
Dr. Peter Jenski, Internal Medicine. "Overall, we faced immense difficulties and witnessed the devastating impact of the pandemic. However, our resilience, teamwork, and dedication to our patients allowed us to make a positive difference. We should be proud of the work we did and continue to learn from this experience to better prepare for future crises."
Dr. Tom Sowka, Pharmacist: "I couldn't agree more, Peter. The lessons we learned during this pandemic will undoubtedly shape our approach to future emergencies. It is essential that we continue to prioritize interprofessional collaboration, address healthcare disparities, and strengthen our healthcare system's preparedness and response capabilities."
Dr. Luisa Gonzalez, Hospital Administrator: "Thank you, everyone, for sharing your insights and reflections. Our collective efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic made a significant impact on our patients and our community. Let's continue to learn, adapt, and work together to provide the best possible care in the face of future challenges."
Request from Administrator
Dr. Luisa Gonzalez, Smallville Hospital Administrator, has asked you to present a compelling case to community stakeholders for the proposed disaster recovery plan. She requests you use the MAP-IT model, which is a step-by-step, structured plan that can be developed by a coalition that is tailored to a specific community's needs.
The MAP-IT model involves all stakeholders, making for a widely-supported and community owned effort. It assesses assets as well as needs and looks for ways to use them.
The five steps of the MAP-IT model are:
1. Mobilize individuals and organizations that care about the health of your community into a coalition.
2. Assess the areas of greatest need in your community, as well as the resources and other strengths that you can tap into to address those areas.
3. Plan your approach: start with a vision of where you want to be as a community; then add strategies and action steps to help you achieve that vision.
4. Implement your plan using concrete action steps that can be monitored and will make a difference.
5. Track your progress over time.
In addition to using the MAP-IT model, work up an approach supported by Healthy People 2020 and put it all into a PowerPoint. You can save the PowerPoint deck and the audio of its accompanying presentation at the public library so that the public can access it and see that you're serious. By doing this, you can create a prototype for other local communities near this one, and possibly other facilities in the organization. To ensure that the disaster recovery plan is effective, you can also involve diverse stakeholders, replace guesswork and hunches with data driven decisions, and create comprehensive, detailed plans that define the roles and responsibilities of disaster recovery team members and outline the criteria to launch the plan into action.