Crisis preparation for people with multiple sclerosis in Australia: a cross-sectional survey of needs

With increasing prevalence of disasters or crises such as fires, floods, and pandemics globally, people with disabilities are disproportionally at risk for short- and long-term consequences. We surveyed 1479 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) living in Australia to understand their needs for a crisis preparation plan. Only 17.4% already had a plan that met their needs, 31.0% and 6.5% indicated they would find creating or updating a plan helpful (respectively) and 14.1% were unsure. A third indicated they would need professional assistance with creating or updating their plan. This study shows that people with MS perceive the need to improve their individual preparedness for crises and the need for assistance in doing so. Community disaster preparedness and response plans should consider the particular needs of this patient population, and those living with MS-related disabilities and their carers should be included in the development of these plans.