As disasters disrupt health systems and create additional health needs, Mobile Health Units (MHU) are deployed to help cover primary health care (PHC) needs. However, MHUs have been critiqued for being logistically burdensome and poorly adapted to dominating health needs. Guidelines exist, including WHO Classification for Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Type 1 mobile, but the usefulness of MHUs in disasters has been poorly studied.

To explore the use of MHUs for PHC in disasters and identify key characteristics as described in the literature.

A scoping review was conducted following framework by Arksey and O’Malley using thematic content analysis. Twenty-six bibliographic databases and websites were screened for white and grey literature on the use of MHUs in disasters published from 2000-2021.

The search resulted in 24 reviews and operational reports, highlighting nine themes. While MHUs were reported to improve health service delivery, 16 documents highlighted challenges related to logistics, organization, and coordination. Seven publications described cooperation with local authorities and stakeholders to help improve relevancy of care by adapting service provision to health needs. Several studies highlighted the need for a functioning referral system and inclusion of local and culturally sensitive staff.

Findings of this study highlight the added value and areas of improvement of MHUs for PHC in disasters. Recommendations of best practices were proposed based on the literature and may guide future deployments. However, there is a paucity of publications, and further data on EMT Type 1 mobile are needed to evaluate MHUs in disasters and improve guidelines.

Over the last decade, a global increase in the number of armed conflicts has been recorded and Mobile Health Units (MHU) are deployed to provide aid to people with limited access to health care. However, the service modality has received criticism related to irregular service provision and logistical difficulties. Although MHUs may be of value in conflicts and insecure environments, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding their usefulness to address dominating health needs.

To elucidate the use of MHUs in conflict settings in adherence to WHO Classification for Emergency Medical Teams.

A scoping review was conducted following the framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Twenty-six bibliographic databases and websites were searched for white and grey literature published between 2000-2021 reporting on the use of MHUs in conflict settings.

Fourteen publications were included in the final analysis, highlighting seven themes: site of operation and mobility, key characteristics, services, benchmark indicators, staff, community engagement, and safety and security. The mobile approach was reported to increase access to health services. Challenges described primarily concerned access and availability, limited coverage, and logistics. Several studies highlighted the need for more sustainable interventions and a more clearly defined exit strategy.

There is a paucity of publications reporting on the use of MHUs in conflict settings and inconsistencies in the reported data. The literature adhered to previous research and WHO guidelines to some extent. Further research is needed evaluating the interventions and outcomes of MHUs in conflict settings.

As natural disasters continue to cause human suffering and contribute to health inequalities, Mobile Health Units (MHU) provide medical aid to people deprived of health care. However, the service modality has received criticism related to logistical difficulties, irregular service provision, and adaptability. Although MHUs may be of value, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding their usefulness on addressing health needs in natural disasters.

To elucidate the use of MHUs in natural disasters in adherence to WHO Classification for Emergency Medical Teams.

A scoping review was conducted following the framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Twenty-six bibliographic databases and websites were screened for white and grey literature published from 2000-2021 reporting on the use of MHUs in natural disasters.

Thirteen publications were included in the final analysis, highlighting seven themes: key characteristics, services, staff, benchmark indicator, operational availability, self-sufficiency, and pre-deployment preparedness. All documents described the mobile approach to increase access to health services in the absence of regular health care. MHUs were mostly reported to provide out-patient care with medical needs primarily related to non-communicable diseases. Basic trauma care was less reported on. The main challenges concerned transportation, coordination, and communication.

Data on the use of MHUs in natural disasters are scarce with inconsistent reporting of key aspects. The literature adhered to previous research and WHO guidelines to some extent. Further research is deemed necessary to evaluate the interventions and outcomes of MHUs following natural disasters.