Exploring the experiences and learning of young primary care physicians in disaster‐affected areas: A qualitative study on the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

Abstract Background Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in disaster medicine. However, it is unclear how PCPs who provide chronic support to disaster‐affected areas learn from their experiences. Methods This qualitative study investigates the learnings of young PCPs who provided medical care during the chronic phase of the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster. Results Thematic analysis of interviews with five physicians revealed the challenges faced by them and their learnings in providing medical support to disaster‐affected areas. Conclusions They not only learned medical skills but also humanistic aspects such as empathizing with the survivors' loss.

Keywords

• disaster medicine
• family medicine residents
• Great East Japan Earthquake
• primary care physicians
• qualitative research