The Role of Healthcare in Public Health Risk and Disaster Management: Strategies for Mitigation and Response

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 November 2026 | Viewed by 4788

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vučića 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
2. Safety and Disaster Studies, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Montanuniversität of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria
3. Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: disaster; crises; risk; hazard; natural hazard; man-made hazard; security; disaster risk management; management; healthcare

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

We are delighted to invite you to contribute to our Special Issue, The Role of Healthcare in Public Health Risk and Disaster Management: Strategies for Mitigation and Response. As disasters—both natural and human-made—become more frequent and severe, the role of healthcare systems in disaster risk management has never been more critical. The capacity of healthcare systems to anticipate, mitigate, and respond effectively is fundamental to minimizing health impacts, reducing mortality, and safeguarding societal well-being. In a time when global health security is a pressing concern, strengthening healthcare’s preparedness and response strategies is more essential than ever. This Special Issue seeks to highlight innovative strategies, frameworks, and practical interventions that enhance healthcare resilience in disaster and public health risk management. Aligning with the journal’s multidisciplinary approach, we welcome contributions that address emergency preparedness, risk mitigation, and healthcare system adaptation in the face of public health crises. Submissions should offer valuable insights into best practices, policy recommendations, and emerging technologies that support effective disaster response within healthcare systems. We invite original research articles and review papers covering, but not limited to, the following topics:      

  • Strengthening healthcare system resilience in disaster risk management;
  • Strategies and frameworks for emergency medical response;
  • Integrating healthcare into multi-hazard early warning systems;
  • Risk perception and crisis communication within healthcare settings;
  • Public health preparedness and mitigation approaches;
  • Lessons from past disaster responses and global health crises;
  • The role of digital health technologies in disaster response and recovery.

We look forward to your valuable contributions and appreciate your expertise in advancing this critical field.

Prof. Dr. Vladimir Cvetković
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • disaster risk management
  • public health emergencies
  • healthcare resilience
  • emergency medical response
  • crisis preparedness
  • risk mitigation strategies
  • health security
  • natural and man-made hazards
  • disaster preparedness and response
  • health system sustainability

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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36 pages, 8353 KB  
Article
Spatial–Temporal Trends of Cancer Among Women in Central Serbia, 1999–2021: Implications for Disaster and Public Health Preparedness
by Emina Kričković, Vladimir M. Cvetković, Zoran Kričković and Tin Lukić
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172169 - 30 Aug 2025
Viewed by 2242
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cancer is a major public health burden in Serbia and a factor influencing long-term disaster readiness by straining health system capacity. This study examined spatial and temporal trends in incidence and mortality for eight major cancers among women in Central Serbia (1999–2021) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cancer is a major public health burden in Serbia and a factor influencing long-term disaster readiness by straining health system capacity. This study examined spatial and temporal trends in incidence and mortality for eight major cancers among women in Central Serbia (1999–2021) to inform targeted prevention and preparedness strategies. Methods: Standardised rates from national datasets were analysed using the Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator. Geographic disparities were mapped in ArcGIS Pro 3.2. Mortality trends were assessed only for statistically reliable series. Results: Breast cancer incidence increased in six counties, while cervical cancer declined in several areas, likely reflecting screening success. Colorectal, bladder, pancreatic, and lung and bronchus cancers showed rising incidence; lung and bronchus cancer mortality increased in 16 counties, indicating growing demand for chronic respiratory care. These shifts may reduce surge capacity during disasters by increasing the baseline burden on healthcare infrastructure. Regional disparities highlight uneven system resilience. Conclusions: Aligning cancer control measures—especially for high-burden cancers like lung—with emergency preparedness frameworks is essential to strengthen health system resilience, particularly in resource-limited regions. Full article
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Review

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23 pages, 1404 KB  
Review
Complex Care Needs of People with Technology Dependence in Disaster Situations: A Scoping Review
by Anita Prasser, Joachim Beckert, Michael Köhler and Michael Ewers
Healthcare 2025, 13(24), 3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13243305 - 16 Dec 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Background: Providing complex care and support for people with technology dependence (PwTD) is challenging, even under routine conditions. During disasters, when health and power infrastructure are disrupted, the complex care of PwTD must be maintained under extreme conditions. This research aims to summarize [...] Read more.
Background: Providing complex care and support for people with technology dependence (PwTD) is challenging, even under routine conditions. During disasters, when health and power infrastructure are disrupted, the complex care of PwTD must be maintained under extreme conditions. This research aims to summarize the specific needs of PwTD in disasters and to describe how these needs are addressed in real-life events. Methods: We conducted a scoping review, searching four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, SocINDEX) and the websites of relevant disaster relief organizations. A total of 43 of 2625 screened records were included. Content analysis was used to identify and cluster the needs of PwTD and the response to these needs. Results: Case reports were the most reported types of literature. It was repeatedly stated that PwTD have complex care needs that are often difficult to meet in disaster situations. The review identified three interdependent clusters of needs: clinical and supportive care needs, aids and supply needs, and access needs. The needs of patients and relatives were, as far as the situation allowed, met in accordance with existing plans and guidelines and, where these were found to be inadequate, through creative solutions devised by frontline nurses. Conclusions: We conclude that addressing the complex care needs of PwTD in disasters requires a strategy integrating structural preparedness, professional adaptability, and user participation. Nurses could play a key role in developing and implementing such strategies. This review provides a starting point to develop a more practice-oriented research agenda to achieve inclusive disaster risk management. Full article
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