Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grants - Institute/Initiative Community Support

People receiving dialysis are among the most vulnerable populations during disasters and health emergencies. Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that depends on access to healthcare facilities, transportation, electricity, clean water, and functioning medical infrastructure. Disruptions caused by wildfires, floods, storms, power outages, pandemics, and other emergencies can prevent patients from receiving treatment, placing their health at risk. Recent experiences in Canada have highlighted the challenges faced by dialysis patients during emergencies. In addition, research conducted through the McGill University Health Centre found that patients identified mobile phone-based communication as their preferred method of receiving emergency information and guidance during disasters. The goal of this project is not to build a mobile application. Instead, this planning initiative will determine what a future dialysis emergency preparedness platform should include and whether it is feasible to develop. The project will bring together dialysis patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, dialysis program leaders, researchers, emergency preparedness experts, software specialists, and health system decision-makers from across Canada. Activities will include an environmental scan of existing preparedness resources, technical feasibility consultations, a national stakeholder workshop, and discussions about privacy, accessibility, governance, and patient safety. People with lived experience receiving dialysis will play a central role in identifying priorities and informing recommendations. The project will generate recommendations regarding the content, technical requirements, ethical considerations, and implementation priorities for a future preparedness platform. This initiative will establish a national collaboration focused on strengthening disaster preparedness and continuity of kidney care for dialysis patients across Canada.