Climate disasters and oncology care: a systematic review of effects on patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems

Assessing the ripple effects of natural disasters on healthcare systems: a narrative review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Natural disasters are on the rise, driven by shifts in climatic patterns largely attributed to human-induced climate change. This relentless march of climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of these disasters, heightening the vulnerability of communities and causing significant harm to both lives and socio-economic systems. Healthcare services are particularly strained during extreme weather events, with impacts felt not only on infrastructure but also on patient care.

RECENT FINDINGS

This narrative review explored the overarching impact of natural disasters on healthcare infrastructure. We delved into how these disasters impact diverse health conditions, the healthcare systems of low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the psychological toll on both clinicians and survivors, and the ramifications for end-of-life care.

SUMMARY

Natural disasters significantly impact healthcare, especially in LMICs due to their limited resources. Patients with cancer or chronic diseases struggle to access care following a natural disaster. Those in need for palliative care experience delay due to shortages in medical resources. Psychological consequences like posttraumatic stress disorder on disaster survivors and healthcare providers highlight the need for mental health support. Addressing challenges requires proactive disaster preparedness policies and urgent public policy initiatives are needed for optimal disaster response.

Navigating Through Disaster: Application of Oncology Nurse Navigator Competencies to Climate Disaster Preparation and Response

OBJECTIVES

The role of the oncology nurse navigator (ONN) before, during, and after a climate disaster is critical to ensuring that individuals with cancer continue to receive the necessary care and support. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the essential role of the ONN by highlighting the application of core competencies to climate disasters.

METHODS

Competencies available for ONNs from the Oncology Nursing Society include coordination of care, communication, education, professional role, and expertise. International Council of Nurses (ICN) core competencies for disaster nursing include eight domains: preparation and planning, communication, incident management systems, safety and security, assessment, intervention, recovery, and law and ethics. These competencies are explored for application to climate disaster preparation, mitigation, and response.

RESULTS

The ONN competencies and the domains of the ICN disaster nursing competencies were integrated to outline the role of the ONN in disaster preparedness and response.

CONCLUSION

The ONN is pivotal in maintaining the continuity of cancer care. The ONN's expertise is critical for navigating the difficulties presented by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other extreme climate events as well as existing barriers to cancer care. The ONN's adeptness at coordinating care, communicating effectively, and tapping into community resources will transfer to a climate disaster, ensuring minimal treatment interruptions and access to necessary care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The ONN is integral to the cancer care team in preparing and responding to climate disasters. The ONN ensures ongoing access to cancer care and advocates for the specialized care that people with cancer need. The ONS ONN Core Competencies and the ICN Disaster Competencies are applicable for developing processes and procedures to address climate disasters in clinical practice.