Developing a Home-Based Primary Care Disaster Preparedness Toolkit.

Objective Health agencies working with the homebound play a vital role in bolstering a community’s resiliency by improving the preparedness of this vulnerable population. Nevertheless, this role is one for which agencies lack training and resources, which leaves many homebound at heightened risk. This study examined the utility of an evidence-based Disaster Preparedness Toolkit in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs. Methods We conducted an online survey of all VHA HBPC program managers (N=77/146; 53% response rate). Results Respondents with fewer years with the HBPC program rated the toolkit as being more helpful ( P P Conclusion This toolkit helps support programs as they fulfill their preparedness requirements, especially practitioners who are new to their position in HBPC. Programs that implement disaster protocols infrequently may require additional efforts to increase understanding of the toolkit’s utility. Engaging all members of the team with their diverse clinical expertise could strengthen a patient’s personal preparedness plan. ( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2017;11:56–63)