Table 3 Themes

Awareness

I don't know that interest would be an issue, because I think as soon as providers and bedside nurses become aware that this is a concern, they're more willing [to spend time discussing emergency preparedness with families]. I think it's more of an awareness issue than anything (N05)

3 N

3 OT

2 SW

6 PSP

Increased communication between the health professionals and public safety professions around emergency preparedness for families that include children with disabilities

Education and Training

I know I don't know a lot, I want to try to bridge that gap… because we can't just plan that everyone's an able-bodied person who can get out of their house, apartment… and drive, walk… on their own (PSP02)

2 N

1 SW

6 PSP

Health professionals and public safety personnel should share their expertise about emergency preparedness and children with disabilities, respectively, with each other

Networking and communication

[We work] on both sides, with families to understand those things, but then also, I've had a lot of opportunity to engage with EMS [emergency medical services], with police, with fire (ADV01)

8 N

7 OT

1 SW

8 PSP

7 ADV

Advocacy groups can facilitate networks between families, health professionals, and public safety personnel

Institutional support and funding

I don't think that there's really a structure on talking about emergency preparedness with families. I don't know that any [hospital where I’ve worked] ever had clear-cut procedure for how to prepare parents and families and caregivers for an event like this (N06)

5 N

1 OT

3 SW

3 PSP

Structural change in public safety to include children with disabilities, and in health care institutions to prioritize emergency preparedness