A Comparative Analysis of Two External Health Care Disaster Responses Following Hurricane Katrina

The authors analyzed data from two disaster temporary healthcare clinic sites (one in Louisiana, staffed by out-of-state volunteers and the other in Mississippi, with a federal Disaster Medical Assistance Team) to better understand the needs and medical conditions of the 500 patients seen over two days of operation. The majority of visits were for chronic diseases, primary health care, vaccinations, and to obtain medications that patients did not have with them. The authors noted the need for improvements in primary care disaster planning, including for pediatric patients, for social services, and for pharmaceuticals to treat acute and chronic conditions.