Citation

Skelton P, Salio F, Emiroglu N. Bull. World Health Organ. 2022; 100(11): 744-746.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, World Health Organization)

DOI

10.2471/BLT.22.289085

PMID

36324560

PMCID

PMC9589385

Abstract

Since the beginning of this decade, all countries have faced serious health emergencies, whether due to wars, earthquakes, cyclones, floods, indus- trial explosions, fires or the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. These events tragically con- tinue to kill many people; however, the number of people experiencing injury or impairment that require acute and ongoing rehabilitation is far higher - and increasing. Between 2010 and 2019, available data show the number of people injured in disasters (6.7 million) was four times more than those killed (1.5 million).

We do not have a true picture of rehabilitation needs in emergencies due to a lack of research and little or no monitoring of health outcomes in emer- gencies other than mortality. However, health emergencies create significant surges in pressing and often unmet rehabilitation needs. Improved emer- gency, surgical and critical care are also now saving more lives, and with more survivors, rehabilitation needs may further increase. Early rehabilitation in emergencies is therefore essential: it can maximize the impact of medical and surgical interventions; speed up recov- ery; optimize functioning; and enhance quality of life of survivors. Additional health service benefits include reduced length of stay in hospital, decreased re- admissions, and the prevention of costly and potentially fatal complications.

When rehabilitation needs are not quickly addressed, individuals, their families and communities face far- reaching consequences. For example, a lack of early rehabilitation for a patient with burns after a tanker explosion may result in preventable contractures and a subsequent loss of function and income. A child who loses a limb during a conflict and does not have access to early rehabilitation may develop com- plications or not receive a prosthesis...

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; *Civil Defense; *Disaster Planning; Parturition; Prenatal Care