Abstract -- Information system and data collection for disaster medical systems are useful in many aspects, including the prediction of potential problems, the restoration of health and social infrastructure, and the prevention of the occurrence and damage from future disasters. Only through correct and useful data collection, analysis and dissemination can disaster medicine becomes an organized discipline. Due to the disruption of health, social and information infrastructure, the collection of useful data is always challenging during disaster period. The definition and construction of a database for disaster health information, is of primary importance to the establishment of a sound disaster medical response system.
This project is a two-year process. A multidisciplinary team, composed of emergency medicine, information, and public health professionals will define the contents and structures of a disaster medical database suitable for Taiwan. Using standard definition and forms, the following items will be defined and incorporated into the information system: historic records of major disasters, early health assessment during early impact, flow of information, method of analysis, resource allocation and management, and tracking of victims. This comprehensive database will be useful for disaster planning, resource allocation during acute response, tracking outcomes during recovery phase, and designing measures for mitigation. This database will be connected to local emergency medical services and health care systems, so information can be obtained rapidly after disaster. The definitions and structure of this database will be released, so general and specific information and human resources will be available via internet.
In this two years of project, we have completed the following tasks:
1. To review and characterize the history and impact of major disaster events in Taiwan;
2. To review the process of data collection and transmission among regional emergency medical services systems in Taiwan; Make recommendation for proper data collection and transmission.
3. To define elements of a disaster medical data base, and propose the proper paradigm for evaluating the health and medical impact of disaster events, including:
(1). the definition of ‘disaster’.
(2). classification and staging of disaster events
(3). declaration and activation process of the disaster
(4). models to evaluate health and medical impact of disaster events
(5). the definition of disaster-related injury and death
(6). standard evaluation and categorization of trauma and injury during disaster
4. To initiate a disaster medical human resource registry
5. To set up a disaster medical information website.
6. To compile a data system for disaster medical responses from prehospital through hospital care
7. To develop an educational program to disseminate disaster medical information system into various EMS systems.