TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Impact of Hurricane Katrina on healthcare delivery for New Orleans patients, 2005-2014
JO  - Pediatric blood and cancer
A1  - Raulji, Chittalsinh
A1  - Velez, Maria C.
A1  - Prasad, Pinki
A1  - Rousseau, Cierra
A1  - Gardner, Renee V.
SP  - e27406
EP  - e27406
VL  - 65
IS  - 12
N2  - 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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<br><br>© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1545-5009
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pbc.27406
ID  - ref1
ER  -