Disaster countermeasures at birthing facilities in case of large-scale disasters

Abstract

【Purpose】 To clarify the actual status of disaster countermeasures, focusing on earthquakes, at facilities handling delivery of babies in Miyagi Prefecture, and to clarify the relationship between these countermeasures and the assumption that mothers giving birth would be accepted if an earthquake equivalent to that of the Great East Japan Earthquake were to occur today. 【Method】 Data was provided by the prefectural government, and a survey of the situation under normal circumstances was conducted. Questionnaires were sent to 27 facilities handling delivery of babies, excluding base hospitals for disaster management. 【Results】 The number of deliveries, especially in the Sennan medical care area, was noticeably lower even compared to the number of births, and only two clinics were currently available for delivery of babies. The number of valid responses to the survey was 11 facilities. One clinic in the Sennan medical care area responded to the survey, but it was an existing nonconforming building. 【Discussion】 The results of the survey suggest that a response plan for patient care and lifeline disruption needs to be developed. Preventing beds and equipment from being moved was an issue. 【Conclusion】 Interdisciplinary research and two-way risk communication between the fields of architecture and medicine are required to ensure that delivery facilities can continue to receive deliveries in the event of a large-scale disaster.