OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to review the disaster preparation and response programs and the status of disaster preparation in public health center. METHODS: In depth interview was performed in September 2017 using 5 open questions to the persons who are in charge of disaster response services in 5 public health centers of different levels in Korea. The questions included general characteristics of public health center, disaster programs and future issues. The research hired a quality method. RESULTS: In general, the persons in charge recognized the cooperative agency of local government in disaster management. There were no disaster preparation programs developed by the public health centers. Most of the preparation were passive activities such as emergency support, crisis management on communicable disease and quarantine, participation in biological disaster response training, and education etc. The persons in charge emphasized necessity of disaster preparation programs. CONCLUSIONS: Disaster preparation and responsiveness is an evolving issue in public health centers in Korea. Medical support system and communicable disease management system are being set up in the national level. A comprehensive system covering health management, nutritional support, mental health, environment management of shelter, and volunteers supports on public health center level needs to be developed along with a easy-to-follow manual.
Communicable Diseases ; Disasters* ; Education ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Korea ; Local Government ; Mental Health ; Methods ; Nutritional Support ; Public Health* ; Quarantine ; Volunteers