Web-based Platform for Improved Healthcare Resiliency to Extreme Weather Events

Project Summary/Abstract: The frequency and intensity of future flooding disasters are projected to grow due to combined effects of increases in severe precipitation, storm surge, and sea level rise. Flooding compromises the ability of healthcare facilities to provide care, while also impeding access for patients seeking emergency and necessary routine care. To address these needs, Creare proposes to develop a web-based platform that integrates a national database of available healthcare facilities, scientifically robust information on local flood risk and its potential impacts, and real-time information on flooding events. It delivers these capabilities to users via customized web and smartphone applications for improving healthcare resiliency to floods. During Phase I, we will show technical feasibility by identifying relevant use case scenarios through interaction with key stakeholders, designing the core software architecture and user interfaces, and implementing a prototype version of the software for hands-on demonstration and evaluation. By providing integrated data to support the full disaster management lifecycle, Creare’s platform will improve healthcare facility preparedness for flooding prior to and during a disaster, as well as provide real-time information on available and accessible healthcare services for patients during flooding events. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Flooding compromises the ability of healthcare facilities to provide care, while also impeding access for patients seeking emergency and necessary routine care. The project will develop a web-based platform for improving healthcare facility preparedness for flooding disasters, as well as a smartphone app that provides real-time information on available and accessible healthcare services for patients during flooding events.