Disaster planning in general practice.

BACKGROUND

Climate change means that disasters such as bushfires, heatwaves, storms and floods are becoming more frequent and severe, and thus having greater impact on general practices and communities.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a concise introduction to disaster planning for those who are new to Australian general practice or to general practice ownership.

DISCUSSION: The Standards for General Practice, published by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), provide guidance on business continuity, including during disasters. As part of practice accreditation, practices are required to prepare a disaster plan, which should be based on local research regarding likelihood of hazard or disaster scenarios, and contain information on disaster coordination and communication and an emergency contact list. Planning should also involve preparation of an emergency kit, provisions for different hazards, practising the disaster plan and clear communications to trigger the disaster response. Plans should be rapidly implemented during disasters and reviewed following disaster events.