Chapter 7.7 describes key factors to consider when doing research in health emergency and disaster risk management (Health EDRM) and be able to:
- Outline the main purpose of doing research in Health EDRM.
- Explain various aspects that influence the choice of the topic to investigate, and the characteristics that this topic must have.
- Discuss the contrasts between the approaches of systemic disaster risk with those of the environmental approach to health associated with biological risks.
- Explain the importance of the Theory of Change and an Evidence-based Research Strategy, and why they can be complementary to research in Health EDRM.
What is this chapter about?
Conducting Health EDRM research presents unique and diverse opportunities and challenges, given the complexities of health, risks, hazards and disasters. Understanding how to approach Health EDRM research can help researchers generate high quality evidence that can be used to promote, restore and maintain the health status and health equity of individuals and communities before, during and after emergencies or disasters.
This chapter provides an overview of key factors to consider when doing Health EDRM research. It outlines information about the choice of research topic; the approach, methodologies and technologies that might be used; the determination of the geographical scope and coverage of the study; and the consideration needed for how long the study will last and the key stakeholders to involve (including the target audience, the research team and other actors who will be directly or indirectly involved in the research).
Case studies presented in the chapter:
- Communicating risk in public health emergencies: A WHO guideline for emergency risk communication (ERC) policy and practice.
- Health Response to the 2011 earthquake in Haiti: Lessons to be learned for future sudden-onset disasters.
- The impacts of climate change on human health in the USA.
What are the key messages of this chapter?
- The main purpose of Health EDRM research is to generate high quality knowledge that can be used to promote, restore and maintain the health status and health equity of individuals and communities exposed to disaster risk, or during and after emergency or disaster situations.
- Health EDRM research requires an interdisciplinary vision.
- The ecological approach to health and systemic disaster risk approach generates a broad space for research in disaster risk management and health emergencies.
- The Theory of Change and the Evidence-based Research Strategy complement each other, particularly when multiple interventions need to be assessed for effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.
