Full bibliography
Disaster planning in general practice
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Ivers, Rowena (Author)
- Pendrey, Catherine (Author)
- Burns, Penelope (Author)
- McKinnon, Duncan (Author)
- Hespe, Charlotte (Author)
- Mulvaney, Declan (Author)
Title
Disaster planning in general practice
Abstract
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
Publication
Australian Journal of General Practice
Date
2025-02-01
Volume
54
Issue
1-2
Pages
56-61
Journal Abbr
Aust J Gen Pract
Accessed
7/7/25, 1:30 AM
ISSN
2208794X, 22087958
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes
Study topic:
Guidance for general practices in Australia on preparing for and responding to climate-related and other disasters.
Study type:
Peer-reviewed article; practical guidance and policy overview.
Key findings:
- Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of disasters such as bushfires, floods, storms, and heatwaves, which impact general practice operations and community health.
- General practices are required to develop disaster plans under RACGP accreditation standards, including business continuity, emergency coordination, and communication protocols.
- The paper outlines a staged approach to disaster planning: pre-planning, plan development, practice and review, and activation.
- Tools such as the RACGP Emergency Response Planning Tool and resources like the Summer Toolkit support practices in preparing for all-hazard events.
- Coordination with Primary Health Networks (PHNs), emergency services, and HealthPathways is essential for effective disaster response.
- Practices should maintain an emergency kit, backup systems, and infrastructure protections, and engage in community education and patient-centred disaster preparedness.
- GPs play a vital role in disaster management at local, state, and national levels, including advocacy for climate action and health system resilience.
Citation
Ivers, R., Pendrey, C., Burns, P., McKinnon, D., Hespe, C., & Mulvaney, D. (2025). Disaster planning in general practice. Australian Journal of General Practice, 54(1–2), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-06-24-7315
Topic
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