Abstract

Defining disaster effects on health care small-world networks.
Track: Disaster and Emergency Management
Authors: William Ferguson

Healthcare systems can be thought of as small-world networks (SWN) because they are built upon naturally occurring relationships between people and health resources. Disasters have the ability to disrupt SWN connections leading to an ineffective disaster response. ArcGIS Desktop tools can define SWNs, predict disaster effects, and identify regions at risk. This presentation will document how spatial analysis of SWNs in Phang Nga, Thailand can help improve disaster preparedness and response.