A diverse group of experts from UC Davis Health is urging health organizations to create comprehensive action plans for wildfire preparedness to assist patients suffering from existing respiratory conditions. They emphasize the importance of implementing measures to reduce the negative impact of smoky air quality.
Their research, published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation, highlights the specific needs of vulnerable groups during wildfire smoke events. It proposes a strategic action plan aimed at helping these populations cope with the adverse health effects brought on by wildfires.
“Individuals with respiratory ailments face a heightened risk of worsening symptoms when exposed to smoke from wildfires,” stated Reshma Gupta, chief of population health and accountable care at UC Davis Health and co-author of the study. “As wildfires become more frequent and severe across the United States, the challenges grow for these at-risk and underserved communities. Hence, it is essential to implement strategies that lessen the health risks associated with wildfires.”
Health Effects of Poor Air Quality
Various elements within wildfire smoke can negatively impact health, particularly for those with pre-existing respiratory issues.
According to the American Lung Association, over 34 million Americans suffer from chronic lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
Research indicates that air pollutants linked to wildfires can both initiate and aggravate health problems affecting the lungs, heart, brain, and other vital organs.
For those managing pre-existing respiratory diseases, poor air quality can lead to lung inflammation, worsening symptoms and increasing the likelihood of emergency room visits and hospital stays.
“Poor air conditions can lead to acute episodes such as heightened shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing, sometimes necessitating hospitalization,” explained Brooks Kuhn, co-director of the Comprehensive COPD Clinic at UC Davis Health and co-author of the article. “The repercussions are not merely temporary: Respiratory crises can result in long-term declines in lung health.”
It’s important to note that adults are not the only ones affected.
“Children are also significantly impacted by exposure to unhealthy air from wildfires,” remarked Kiran Nandalike, chief of pediatric pulmonology at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “With the increasing frequency of wildfires in our communities annually, it’s crucial for health systems to develop a supportive response for affected patients.”
Population Health Strategy for Wildfire Preparedness
UC Davis Health’s customized wildfire preparedness plan adopts a population health approach, where healthcare teams from various specialties collaborate to support patients at higher risk due to poor air quality.
“This approach focuses on targeted interventions designed specifically for particular communities or population segments,” Gupta explained. “It takes into account various factors like social, economic, environmental, and behavioral aspects that influence the health of these populations.”
The team’s wildfire preparedness action plan includes:
- Identifying at-risk and underserved patient groups through validated, targeted registries
- Forming interdisciplinary care teams to assess the needs of these communities
- Creating customized analytics and wildfire risk assessments
- Establishing care pathways based on wildfire risk levels, disease types, exposure risks, and healthcare access
- Setting outcome measures specifically tailored to the interventions, committed to continuous improvement
“We’ve seen successful implementation of population health strategies for managing conditions like dementia, chronic kidney disease, and cancer,” Gupta noted. “By applying this model, we can effectively address the challenges posed by poor air quality resulting from wildfires and take proactive steps to meet the needs of at-risk and underserved patients.”
UC Davis Health’s Experience with Wildfires
As the primary academic health system in Northern California, UC Davis Health has been at the forefront of dealing with recent wildfires, including the significant Park Fire, which ranks as the fourth largest in California’s history. This situation has provided the health system with valuable experience in caring for patients in severely impacted regions.
“In recent years, our medical professionals have frequently treated patients facing physical, financial, and occupational barriers to clean air,” said Kuhn. “We are well-prepared to share our insights gained from working with communities affected by wildfires.”
To ensure wildfire preparedness efforts are directed effectively, UC Davis Health has formed a multi-disciplinary care team acting as liaisons between wildfire-impacted communities and the health system. Their initiatives include:
- Identifying vulnerable patients
- Providing education about health risks from air quality
- Personalizing outreach strategies to patients
- Creating and distributing “go-bags” equipped with essential supplies
- Collaborating with community organizations to extend support to patients
“Patients have expressed immense gratitude for this proactive outreach,” Gupta said. “Often, they feel isolated when confined indoors due to poor air quality. Our collaboration enables them to take control of their health while remaining safe in their own homes.”
Urgent Call to Action
As climate change advances, wildfires have become a regular occurrence in the United States. To adequately support clinically at-risk and underserved patients affected by this escalating health challenge, the authors of the article advocate for health systems to shift from reactive to collaborative, innovative, and proactive strategies.
“In the years ahead, it’s vital for health systems, practitioners, and communities to be equipped for addressing the severe health impacts of environmental emergencies and to avert potentially catastrophic outcomes,” Gupta concluded. “We must unite in our outreach efforts and support patients at risk from wildfire exposure.”
