Necessary Measures for Continuing Medical Treatment after an Earthquake:

Analysis of Damage to Hospitals and Impact on Medical Treatment following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake

Abstract

This study examined measures that need to be implemented to allow medical treatment to be performed following a major earthquake. It analyzed damage to health-care facilities in Kumamoto Prefecture after the major earthquake there in 2016 and the damage exerted on medical treatment. The study participants were head nurses and equipment managers in hospitals having 100 or more beds. Data were obtained using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed from the following four perspectives: first, the impact of the earthquake on medical treatment and nursing services; second, the damage to lifelines, structures, and medical equipment of facilities; third, the situation regarding disaster response manuals and business continuity plans (BCPs); and fourth, support and health management for medical staff. The results suggested that for a medical facility to continue operations after a major earthquake, it is necessary to implement the following measures, taking into account the equipment and local characteristics of the facility: creating practical disaster response manuals and BCPs; providing disaster prevention education and training, taking into account the inherent disaster vulnerability of the local community; and enhancing staff health management while maintaining operations and collaborating with local and regional facilities during normal times.