Disaster planning in general practice

The Standards for General Practice, published by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), provide guidance on business continuity, including during disasters. As part of practice accreditation, practices are required to prepare a disaster plan, which should be based on local research regarding likelihood of hazard or disaster scenarios, and contain information on disaster coordination and communication and an emergency contact list. Planning should also involve preparation of an emergency kit, provisions for different hazards, practising the disaster plan and clear communications to trigger the disaster response. Plans should be rapidly implemented during disasters and reviewed following disaster events.