Primary Health Care and Disasters: Applying a “Whole-of-Health System” Approach through Reverse Triage in Mass-Casualty Management

Abstract

Introduction: In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (H-EDRM) framework detailing how effective management of disasters, including mass-casualty incidents (MCIs), can be achieved through a whole-of-health system approach where each level of the health care system is involved in all phases of the disaster cycle. In light of this, a primary health care (PHC) approach can contribute to reducing negative health outcomes of disasters, since it encompasses the critical roles that primary care services can play during crises. Hospitals can divert non-severe MCI victims to primary care services by applying reverse triage (RT), thereby preventing hospital overloading and ensuring continuity of care for those who do not require hospital services during the incident. Study Objective: This study explores the topic by reviewing the literature published on early discharge of MCI victims through RT criteria and existing referral pathways to primary care services. Methods: A scoping literature review was performed and a total of ten studies were analyzed. Results: The results showed that integrating primary care facilities into disaster management (DM) through the use of RT may be an effective strategy to create surge during MCIs, provided that clear referral protocols exist between hospitals and primary care services to ensure continuity of care. Furthermore, adequate training should be provided to primary care professionals to be prepared and be able to provide quality care to MCI victims. Conclusion: The results of this current review can serve as groundwork upon which to design further research studies or to help devise strategies and policies for the integration of PHC in MCI management.