Healthcare System Resilience and Chronic Disease Care Management During Extreme Heat Events in New York City: A Mixed-Methods Study of Emergency Department Utilization and Preparedness Frameworks
1
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A319
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
The escalating frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, driven by global climate change, present a substantial threat to healthcare systems, particularly in urban centers such as New York City (NYC). Extreme heat events (EHE), defined in NYC as two or more days with a heat index of 95°F or higher, or one or more days reaching 100°F, further exacerbate health inequities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses. These challenges highlight the urgent need to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience within healthcare systems. This mixed-methods research explores the impact of EHE on healthcare utilization among Medicare populations in NYC. Utilizing data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the study will analyze emergency department (ED) utilization during heat events for 2021 in NYC counties. Control counties in New York State will be included for comparison. Additional analyses will aim to explore demographic factors, such as age, race, and sex. Quantitative analysis will offer insights into how EHE may influence healthcare utilization and readmissions. Additional qualitative analyses will explore the role of Heat Action Plans (HAP) in enhancing healthcare resilience, as gaps remain in their implementation for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and cardiovascular diseases. A content assessment of HAP from specific regions in the United States will further evaluate inclusion of chronic disease care management during EHE. Complementary qualitative research and collaboration with international organizations, such as the German Red Cross in Dhaka, Bangladesh, aims to identify best practices for anticipatory action and healthcare system preparedness in regions prone to extreme heat. Ultimately, this study aims to be an impetus for a toolbox for global public health, healthcare systems, and government agencies, to bolster preparedness and response capabilities to the growing threat of climate change.
The escalating frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, driven by global climate change, present a substantial threat to healthcare systems, particularly in urban centers such as New York City (NYC). Extreme heat events (EHE), defined in NYC as two or more days with a heat index of 95°F or higher, or one or more days reaching 100°F, further exacerbate health inequities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses. These challenges highlight the urgent need to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience within healthcare systems. This mixed-methods research explores the impact of EHE on healthcare utilization among Medicare populations in NYC. Utilizing data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the study will analyze emergency department (ED) utilization during heat events for 2021 in NYC counties. Control counties in New York State will be included for comparison. Additional analyses will aim to explore demographic factors, such as age, race, and sex. Quantitative analysis will offer insights into how EHE may influence healthcare utilization and readmissions. Additional qualitative analyses will explore the role of Heat Action Plans (HAP) in enhancing healthcare resilience, as gaps remain in their implementation for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, and cardiovascular diseases. A content assessment of HAP from specific regions in the United States will further evaluate inclusion of chronic disease care management during EHE. Complementary qualitative research and collaboration with international organizations, such as the German Red Cross in Dhaka, Bangladesh, aims to identify best practices for anticipatory action and healthcare system preparedness in regions prone to extreme heat. Ultimately, this study aims to be an impetus for a toolbox for global public health, healthcare systems, and government agencies, to bolster preparedness and response capabilities to the growing threat of climate change.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
