The WHO endorsed the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Minimum Data Set (MDS) as a real-time data collection and reporting tool during health emergencies and disasters in 2017. It was for the first time activated in 2019 during Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. Since then, it has been used in 16 countries during various events. However, no assessment on data quality collected via MDS has been conducted.

This study aimed to assess data completeness using data from Cyclone Idai.

We analyzed 282 daily reports containing 18,468 patient consultations from 14 international EMTs between 2019/03/27 and 2019/07/12. We considered data incomplete if inputs for demographic information, health events, outcomes, and relation to disaster were lower than the total number of patient consultations. We calculated the percentage of missing values for MDS items. Logistic regression identified associations between data incompleteness and EMT type.

Completeness of information on team and location was 100%. Incompleteness rates were 7.1% for sex and age, 37.2% for health events, 48.9% for outcomes, and 41.8% for the relation of health events to the disaster. Type 1 Fixed EMTs reported less complete data compared to Type 1 Mobile and Type 2 EMTs. Classified EMTs were more likely to report complete data.

Overall, MDS daily report completeness needs improvement. Type 1 Fixed EMTs may have lower completeness due to busier schedules, while Type 1 Mobile EMTs benefit from more effective just-in-time training. Type 2 teams, being less busy, achieve more accurate data entry. Training for data collection is essential for better data completeness.

Reliable health data before, during and after emergencies and disasters are essential for evidence-based policies and programs. However, standardization of health data collection and reporting was a historical challenge for the medical team dispatched to emergency areas.

The WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Minimum Data Set (MDS) was established in 2017, and has been applied in different health emergencies and disasters as a common health data collection tool.

Summarize the findings from analyzing the health data collected by the EMT MDS in emergencies and disasters since 2018

The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre (WKC)) supported and jointly conducted a research project to synthesize the existing knowledge and analyze case studies on the application of the WHO EMT MDS. The study was led by Hiroshima University and collaborated with WHO EMT and multinational research institutes.

The research project demonstrated the function and value of the EMT MDS to timely collect analyzable data that enables decision makers to understand the health needs of affected areas, and conduct data-based resource allocation. Multiple barriers and facilitating factors for successful application of the tool were also identified. In addition, several new findings on early onset of mental health problems and other related matters were identified.

EMT MDS is now used as a common health data collection tool in emergencies and disasters. Accumulated data from different emergencies and disasters will support building robust scientific evidence to better protect people from emergencies and disasters.

During disasters, support for victims is prioritized, with EMTs providing essential medical care. However, the health of EMT members and other supporters is often overlooked. To address this issue, Japan implemented the J-SPEED Health Checkup tool for the first time during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024 to collect real-time health data on EMTs and supporters.

This study aims to examine the fatigue levels and influencing factors among EMT members and other supporters.

The J-SPEED Health Checkup tool collected data on fatigue levels and factors such as working environment, activity type, job type. Fatigue levels were measured on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between fatigue and these factors.

From January 1 to March 31, 2024, a total of 20,551 data were collected. Logisticians reported significantly higher fatigue scores than other job types, with an increase of 0.23 points. Those working in headquarters also had higher fatigue scores compared to other activity types, with an increase of 0.19 points. Responders who perceived worse “unclear tasks,” “unsafe working environment,” and “lack of meals and breaks” reported significantly higher fatigue levels.

The study highlights the significant impact of job type, activity type, and perceived working conditions on the fatigue levels of EMT members and other supporters during disaster response efforts. Addressing these factors is crucial to ensuring the well-being of responders, which in turn can enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response operations.

The demanding nature of the EMT members’ work in providing care for the affected population in the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula, Japan, on January 1, 2024 is noted.

This study aims to examine the relationship between fatigue and the presenteeism of EMT members during this disaster.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st to March 31st using the J-SPEED (Japanese-Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters) health check-up among EMT members. The questionnaire items included fatigue level and presenteeism measured using WFun-D (Work Functioning Impairment Scale for disaster), along with information on the type of activity, occupation, duration of working (days), and symptoms due to fatigue. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between fatigue and presenteeism of EMT members.

Among the 20,551 cases, 66.2% worked in the field, with the majority being operation coordinators (31.8%), nurses (30.9%), and medical doctors (19.9%). Presenteeism is strongly associated with having medium and high fatigue levels (p<0.0001). Other factors associated with presenteeism in EMT members included: working in January (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.21-3.74), being a medical doctor (aOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.15-2.04) or administrative supporter (aOR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.28-3.36), experiencing symptoms due to stress (aOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 3.80-6.46).

The study reveals a significant relationship between increasing fatigue levels and presenteeism among EMT members. These findings contribute to evidence-based strategies for fatigue management in disaster response scenarios, with implications for improving the effectiveness of medical response efforts in future large-scale disasters globally.

When a natural or man-made disaster occurs, emergency medical teams (EMTs) are dispatched to provide medical surge capacity for injured and sick individuals. Accurate predictions of EMTs consultations during disasters can improve dispatch and withdrawal decisions. However, no published studies have yet demonstrated a method for predicting the number of consultations or patients based on EMT activity data.

This research explores an innovative yet simple and reliable method to predict the number of consultations needed by EMTs during disasters, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of medical response.

Data were collected using Japan-Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (J-SPEED) and Minimum Data Set (MDS) for five disasters in Japan and one in Mozambique. For each disaster, the number of consultations was predicted from the K value and constant attenuation model, originally developed for predicting COVID-19 patient numbers.

The total number of EMT consultations per disaster ranged from 684 to 18,468. The predicted curve and actual K data were similar for each of the disasters (R2 from 0.953 to 0.997), but offset adjustments were needed for the Kumamoto earthquake and the Mozambique cyclone because their R2 values were below 0.985. For the six disasters, the difference between the number of consultations predicted from K values and the measured cumulative number of consultations ranged from ±1.0% to ±4.1%.

The K value and constant attenuation model reliably predicted EMT consultations during six different disasters. This simple model may be useful for the coordination of future responses of EMTs during disasters.

The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake highlighted the challenges of maintaining effective Early Warning, Alert, and Response Systems (EWARS) during emergencies and disasters. Key issues include damaged reporting capacities of local health facilities, the need to collect data from temporary facilities such as evacuation centers, analyzing data under emergency conditions and implementing on-site infection prevention and control measures.

This report reviews the successful joint operation of Emergency Medical Teams (EMT), Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP), and Public Health Rapid Response Teams (PHRRT) during the earthquake.

Findings were consolidated by joint after-action review.

National EMTs such as Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) reported data on infectious diseases to the EMT Coordination Cell (EMTCC) using the J-SPEED system, which is compatible with the WHO EMT Minimum Data Set (MDS). The robust logistics capacity of EMTs allowed effective data collection from remote and ad hoc facilities. The J-SPEED Analysis Support Team at the EMTCC shared this data with the FETP. Experts from FETP analyzed the data, identifying cases requiring intervention and successfully triggered targeted infection prevention and control measures implemented by PHRRTs specifically Disaster Infection Control Team (DICT).

The joint operation demonstrated that EMTs can effectively function as ad hoc sentinels within national EWARS. The integration of EMT data with FETP analysis and targeted interventions by PHRRTs proved successful, offering a valuable model for future emergency responses globally.

In 2015, the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team developed the JDR Medical Mission Operating System (MOS), a comprehensive EMT Information Communication Tool (ICT). This system was utilized during the 2019 Mozambique Cyclone and the 2023 Türkiye Earthquake.

To report key achievements and lessons learned from implementing the JDR-MOS.

The review involved analyzing training materials and mission reports.

The MOS implementation significantly enhanced reporting capabilities to the EMTCC and JDR headquarters in Tokyo. The MOS contributed to the development of Japan’s national EMT standard reporting template J-SPEED, and the WHO EMT Minimum Data Set (MDS). Challenges included training team members who work in hospitals all over Japan, also securing resources for periodic system updates. Some team members preferred paper-based operations, believing they saved time and potentially allowed for more patients to be treated. Paper template also were regarded to facilitate quick information sharing compared to digital screens.

The introduction of ICT through the MOS substantially improved reporting capabilities but faced technical challenges in training, maintenance, and information sharing compared to paper-based systems. The benefits of ICT can be maximized through collaborative development and implementation of EMT ICT standards. This can be applied either nationally and internationally. Based on these achievements and lessons learned, JDR is now upgrading MOS to a next-generation strategic ICT system.

Past disaster responses have demonstrated the importance of occupational health services for Emergency Medical Team (EMT) members. However, that implementation has been mostly left to individual teams and organizations and with less systematic approaches. During the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred in January 2024, the Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell (EMTCC) activated the new Occupational Health System; J-SPEED Health Check-up for the first time to monitor health status of all EMT members and to provide comprehensive occupational services regardless of their affiliated organizations.

To review methodology and key achievements of the J-SPEED Health Check-up during the Noto Earthquake 2024 in Japan.

During their deployment, all EMT members were suggested by the EMTCC which was embedded in the local health authority to enter and report their health status daily by using the J-SPEED+ application, which was originally developed to report the EMT Minimum Data Set (MDS) of patients. At the EMTCC, J-SPEED analysis support team conducted data analysis, and Disaster Occupational Health Assistance Team (DOHAT) provided targeted interventions to the individuals identified to be supported.

A total of 20,879 data entries were recorded during the deployment, which triggered 148 interventions by the professional Occupational Health Team. Anonymous summary report was made and shared at every EMTCC meeting.

J-SPEED Health Check-up was successfully implemented. Necessary and targeted occupational health supports were provided, awareness of the issue was improved among partners.

The WHO EMTCC coordinated responses to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique (2019), the refugee crisis in Moldova (2022), the earthquake in Türkiye (2023), and the humanitarian crisis in Cairo (2024). Each event presented unique Information Management (IM) challenges.

Analyze and compare WHO EMTCC Information Management practices across these crises, identifying specific challenges and implemented solutions.

• Disaster: Cyclone Idai

• Impact: Infrastructure destruction, numerous casualties

• Information Management: Diverse data collection, weak real-time updates, lack of unified management, poor communication infrastructure

• Disaster: Refugee crisis from Ukraine invasion

• Impact: Overburdened medical system

• Information Management: Fragmented EMT management, information overlaps, language barriers, stable communication infrastructure

• Disaster: Major earthquake

• Impact: Building collapses, numerous injuries

• Information Management: Improved use of tools like MDS, rapid data collection, multi-national team coordination challenges, real-time sharing needs, lack of domestic EMT data

• Disaster: Palestine Humanitarian Crisis

• Impact: Numerous casualties, infrastructure damage

• Information Management: Secretive management, high-security needs, limited internal sharing, independent coordinator decisions

Mozambique highlighted the need for digitalization and unified data systems. Moldova emphasized unified platforms and pre-registration processes. Türkiye showed progress in data tools but needed better real-time systems and domestic coordination. Cairo underlined secure and efficient information sharing in high-security contexts.

WHO EMTCC’s IM practices varied across disasters. Common challenges included unified data management, real-time sharing, and multi-national team coordination. Future efforts should standardize protocols, improve communication infrastructure, and enhance WHO EMT Initiative training. The Japan Disaster Relief team’s contributions provided valuable insights for future improvements.

This study explores the role of Information Management (IM) in disaster management, through the use of the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Asia-Pacific Regional Earthquake Response Exercise (ERE) and the Project for Strengthening the ASEAN Regional Capacity on Disaster Health Management (ARCH Project) have provided platforms for such exploration. As an exercise controller, my involvement has focused on supporting the EMTCC from the IM perspective.

The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of IM, through MDS, in supporting EMTCC during disaster response exercises and actual disaster scenarios.

Participation in regional collaboration drills and real-world disaster scenarios provided insights into IM practices. Key activities included supporting EMTCC during exercises, assisting the Moldovan government and WHO regional office affected by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, and collaborating with WHO’s regional office (EMRO) for Palestinian support in 2023. IM support involved data collection, situation analysis, and the ongoing provision of off-site support for MDS implementation.

The exercises and real-world engagements demonstrated significant growth in national EMTs’ capabilities and highlighted the critical role of IM. The MDS-supported IM processes effectively facilitated data collection and analysis, enhancing coordination and decision-making.

Ongoing training and support for EMTCC through IM are vital for effective disaster response. The study underscores the importance of structured IM in improving disaster management and the operational readiness of EMTs. Future efforts should continue to focus on refining IM practices and enhancing data management capabilities to ensure robust responses to health emergencies.

Disasters and emergencies cause devastating impacts on communities, infrastructure, economies, and health. Protecting health from emergencies and disasters are the goals in the WHO’s thirteenth and fourteenth General Program of Work (GPW 13 and GPW 14).

Build robust scientific evidence and support, facilitate, and celebrate reliable research to for informed decision-making and effective policy and practice.

WHO established a global expert network in 2018, “WHO Thematic Platform for Health EDRM Research Network (Health EDRM RN)”. The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre (WKC)), the secretariat of the Health EDRM RN, facilitates international collaboration for better knowledge generation, synthesis, and dissemination.

In 2021, in collaboration with 164 experts from WHO HQ, all Regional Offices, and 30 countries, WHO Guidance on Research Methods for Health EDRM (the Guidance) was developed, which provides concrete guidance on how to plan, conduct and report Health EDRM research.

The Health EDRM has promoted numerous training and policy meetings including (i) In 2023, a joint webinar by WHO Regional Office for Europe (EURO), WHO Regional Office for Eastern Mediterranean, and WKC;(ii) In 2024, a joint workshop for European countries and partners by WHO EURO and WKC with support of UK Health Security Agency; (iii) Symposiums and workshops in collaboration with academic societies including World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, ASEAN Academic Conference, and Japanese Association for Disaster Medicine since 2021.

WHO will continue to collate and improve scientific evidence that informs more effective and sustainable disaster and emergency policies and practices.

In 2017, the World Health Organization introduced an international standardized medical data collection tool for disasters, known as the Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Minimum Data Set (MDS). The EMT MDS was activated for the first time in 2019 in response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. The present study aimed to examine the daily and phase trends in acute mental health problems identified by international EMTs during their response to Cyclone Idai and reported using the EMT MDS.

Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine daily trends in acute mental health consultations. Trends were also examined by phases, which were identified using joinpoints.

During the 90-day EMT response period following Cyclone Idai, 94 acute mental health consultations were reported. The daily trend analysis showed a significant increase in the daily number and percentage of acute mental health consultations from response onset until day 13, followed by a gradual decline (P<0.05). The phase trend analysis showed a consistent decrease across the identified phases (P for trend<0.001).

The findings of this study provide insight into the need for mental health support in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters and how that need may change over time.

Treatment interruptions in disaster victims are concerning, owing to an increase in natural disasters and the growing elderly population with chronic conditions. This study examined the temporal trends in treatment interruptions among victims of 2 recent major heavy rain disasters in Japan: West Japan heavy rain in 2018 and Kumamoto heavy rain in 2020.

Data for this study were derived from the national standardized medical data collection system called the “Japan Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters.” Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to examine the daily trends in treatment interruptions reported soon after each disaster onset.

A total of 144 and 87 treatment interruption cases were observed in the heavily affected areas of the West Japan heavy rain in 2018 and Kumamoto heavy rain in 2020, respectively. In both disasters, a high number of treatment interruption cases were observed on the first day after the disaster. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that trends in the percentage of treatment interruptions differed between the 2 disasters at different disaster scales.

The findings suggest the importance of a prompt response to treatment interruptions in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and consideration of the specific characteristics of the disaster when planning for disaster preparedness and response.

Healthy dietary patterns have been linked to lower levels of chronic inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between food group intakes and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) among community-dwelling adults.

Cross-sectional.

Three areas in Japan (Shiga, Fukuoka, or Kyushu and Okinawa).

The present analysis included 13 648 participants (5126 males and 8522 females; age range, 35–69 years) who had been enrolled in the baseline survey of the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study. Food group intakes were estimated using a FFQ. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between the quartiles of each energy-adjusted food group intake and log-transformed hsCRP.

The following concentration ratios of hsCRP after comparing the highest and lowest quartiles of food group intake were significant: in males, 1·12 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·22) for processed meat, 1·13 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·24) for fish and 0·83 (95 % CI 0·76, 0·90) for nuts; in females, 0·89 (95 % CI 0·81, 0·97) for bread, 1·11 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·19) for processed meat, 0·86 (95 % CI 0·80, 0·92) for vegetables, 1·19 (95 % CI 1·11, 1·29) for fruit, 0·90 (95 % CI 0·84, 0·97) for nuts and 0·88 (95 % CI 0·82, 0·95) for green tea.

Processed meat and nut intakes were associated with higher and lower hsCRP levels, respectively, in both sexes. However, for several food groups, including fish and fruit, previous findings from dietary pattern analyses were not supported by the present analyses at the food group level.