Recover

Post-disaster actions for health professionals

• Review and identify lessons.
• Communicate with patients about return to normal business hours and services.
• Connect with and refer to local social and community support agencies.
• Identify and reach out to patients with increased vulnerability factors.
• Identify community population health needs post-disaster and develop campaigns to address emerging needs, e.g. mental health assessments.
• Provide and access care and support.
• Patients in areas affected by natural disaster are now exempt from the existing relationship (12-month rule) requirement for telehealth. This means patients don’t need to have had a face-to-face consult with a GP in the last 12 months to access MBS subsidised telehealth services.

A person is exempt from the 12-month rule if, at the time of accessing a telehealth service, they are living in a local government area declared a natural disaster zone by a State or Territory Government.

Distress, denial and disbelief are common reactions after a disaster. In the initial hours and days, people may feel stunned and dazed—particularly in response to a sudden and devastating event.

During the first consultation with an impacted patient, GPs are advised to:

• Listen, comfort and quietly accept information.
• Ensure survival, safety and security.
• Orient towards goals.

Doctors may also be personally affected by disasters and should be mindful of their own wellbeing. Signs of impact may include:

• Heightened emotional response to patients.
• Increased arousal or sleep disturbance.
• Avoidance behaviours, including increased alcohol use.

To reduce the risk of being overwhelmed, doctors should consider:

• Discussing distressing experiences with colleagues.
• Limiting exposure to a manageable level.
• Maintaining regular exercise, good nutrition, and healthy sleep habits.
• Seeking help when needed.