title: Use of electronic health records in disaster response: the experience of Department of Veterans Affairs after Hurricane Katrina.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe electronic health data use by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the month after Katrina, including supporting technologies, the extent and nature of information accessed, and lessons learned.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study using cross-sectional panels of data collected sequentially over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By September 30, 2005, clinical data were accessed electronically for at least 38% (14941 of 39910) of patients cared for prior to Hurricane Katrina by New Orleans-area VA medical facilities. Approximately 1000 patients per day had data accessed during the month following Hurricane Katrina, a rate approximately two thirds of pre-Katrina values. Health care data were transmitted to more than 200 sites in 48 states and to at least 2300 users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The VA electronic health records supported continuity of care for evacuated veterans after Katrina. Our findings suggest that pharmacy and laboratory computerization alone will not be sufficient for future disaster support systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration, Nashville, Tenn, USA. steven.brown@va.gov
authors.forename: Steven H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Linda F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Fischetti
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bates
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Lancaster
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McDaniel
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gillon
authors.forename: Melody
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Darbe
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Kolodner
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012036:Refugees; D012066:Relief Work; D012189:Retrospective Studies