Health System Preparedness for Nuclear and Radiological Disasters: A Scoping Review

Introduction: To support the needs of current research applications for healthcare and public health preparedness and response for radiological and nuclear disasters by providing an up-to-date scoping review of current literature in the field. Methods: A systematic literature search using four databases to identify articles on topics such as “radiological emergency preparedness,” “nuclear disaster medicine,” “nuclear terrorism,” “CBRNE,” and “radiological decontamination” produced 293 articles, of which 96 met the extraction criteria. The articles were evaluated, and the findings were summarized into 7 themes addressing medical and healthcare preparedness for nuclear and radiological events. Results: The scoping review generated evidence supporting and defining various measures healthcare and government entities can take to improve nuclear and radiological disaster readiness and responsiveness in health systems. Strengthening preventive measures and policies, prehospital and hospital mechanisms, training and education, regional collaboration, communication, and infrastructure support were the main gaps identified. Conclusion: The literature concluded that the inadequacies of modern health care systems’ radiological disaster preparedness were an overarching concern. It identified the major challenges and proposed solutions for public safety to the growing threat of radiologic disasters.