Uo mo aso uma, a o uso mo aso vale: Lessons from Aotearoa physiotherapists responding to disasters within the Pacific

Abstract

Disasters can have sudden and devastating impacts on the health systems in the Pacific region, many parts of which are in a precarious state. The region is increasingly recognised as being prone to disasters such as those caused by climate change or epidemics. Physiotherapists have been identified as vital members of the interprofessional health team that responds to such catastrophic events. Despite this, in the Pacific region little is known about the nature of physiotherapists’ involvement and the multifaceted roles physiotherapists play in responding to disasters. This clinical commentary contains 1) an evaluation of the relevant literature sourced to describe the current knowledge base; and 2) a commentary on the experiences gained from physiotherapists’ response to the Samoa measles outbreak in 2019. Outcomes from the commentary have formed the basis of recommendations for the role the physiotherapy profession in Aotearoa New Zealand could have in responding to future potential disasters in the wider Pacific region.