Why current medical management is failing victims of Hurricane Katrina: a review of past successes and failures in postdisaster psychosocial treatment
Citation: Steinmann WC. Why current medical management is failing victims of Hurricane Katrina: a review of past successes and failures in postdisaster psychosocial treatment. Southern Medical Journal, 2007:100(10);991-8.
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Disasters have been shown to adversely affect multiple domains of victims’ health. In relation to the impacts of Hurricane Katrina, more efforts should be put into psychosocial support, particularly considering the current shortage of healthcare professionals in New Orleans.
This systematic review examined the effects of trauma on multiple aspects of health following a disaster. Disaster victims were found to be at risk for negative psychosocial health, which is an aspect of health that is often overlooked in the aftermath of disaster. Focusing on psychosocial health can maximize positive disaster recovery. The New Orleans area and Gulf Coast area continue to be affected by poor health indicators in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.