Chittalsinh Raulji1, Maria C Velez2, Pinki Prasad2, Cierra Rousseau3, Renee V Gardner2. 1. Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, Maine. 2. Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. 3. Department of Pharmacology, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hematology/oncology patients have special health needs. To identify barriers to care, we surveyed patients/parents at Children's Hospital of New Orleans 1 year after Hurricane Katrina. We then implemented a "Hurricane Action Plan"-identification of families' evacuation plans at each hurricane season's onset; of hospital(s) and pharmacies in the intended evacuation area; updating roadmaps/treatment plans; giving information to families requiring hematology/oncology services in evacuation areas. Administration of a second survey was initiated 7 years post Katrina to assess the efficacy of the "Hurricane Action Plan." METHODS: Both surveys were conducted on random patients attending Children's Hospital. Survey #1 was performed in 2006, while survey #2 was conducted in 2013-2014. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of 124 families left New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; only 50% had an evacuation plan. Twenty-five percent of families had difficulty physically accessing care; others (13%) could not find a hematology/oncology provider for follow-up and had difficulty reaching their primary provider or making appointments. An additional 25 percent did not have access to medical records. There was no access to mental health services. Eighty- two patients/representatives were surveyed in 2013/2014; 72% of families were evacuated during subsequent hurricane seasons with 78% of families having an evacuation plan. Thirty-six percent of patients had a roadmap/treatment plan with them; 71% had a 2-week medication supply. Ninety-two percent found information given to them by providers helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions instituted to allow greater access to care by our hematology/oncology patients after Hurricane Katrina resulted in better preparedness, easier acquisition of information, and possibly better continuity of care.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hematology/oncology patients have special health needs. To identify barriers to care, we surveyed patients/parents at Children's Hospital of New Orleans 1 year after Hurricane Katrina. We then implemented a "Hurricane Action Plan"-identification of families' evacuation plans at each hurricane season's onset; of hospital(s) and pharmacies in the intended evacuation area; updating roadmaps/treatment plans; giving information to families requiring hematology/oncology services in evacuation areas. Administration of a second survey was initiated 7 years post Katrina to assess the efficacy of the "Hurricane Action Plan." METHODS: Both surveys were conducted on random patients attending Children's Hospital. Survey #1 was performed in 2006, while survey #2 was conducted in 2013-2014. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of 124 families left New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; only 50% had an evacuation plan. Twenty-five percent of families had difficulty physically accessing care; others (13%) could not find a hematology/oncology provider for follow-up and had difficulty reaching their primary provider or making appointments. An additional 25 percent did not have access to medical records. There was no access to mental health services. Eighty- two patients/representatives were surveyed in 2013/2014; 72% of families were evacuated during subsequent hurricane seasons with 78% of families having an evacuation plan. Thirty-six percent of patients had a roadmap/treatment plan with them; 71% had a 2-week medication supply. Ninety-two percent found information given to them by providers helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions instituted to allow greater access to care by our hematology/oncology patients after Hurricane Katrina resulted in better preparedness, easier acquisition of information, and possibly better continuity of care.