| Theme |
The Great East Japan (Tohoku) Earthquake and Dialysis Therapy |
| Title |
Emergency evacuation of dialysis patients to Niigata prefecture |
| Author |
Junichiro James Kazama |
Division of Blood Purification Therapy, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Niigata prefecture accepted 154 dialysis patients evacuated from the Hamadori district in Fukushima prefecture because of the Great East Japan Earthquake. There was some confusion concerning patient care before the first patients arrived at dialysis units. However, these patients they were managed without major difficulty. During their three week stay in Niigata, no patients died or became severely ill. Lack of the grand design was the major problem associated with this project. Encouraging patients to carry their dialysis treatment cards could contribute to improved care in disaster situations. |