Abstract: FR-PO1029
Shifting from Uniform to Risk-Informed Disaster Management: A Flood-Focused Geospatial Analysis of Dialysis Facilities
Session Information
- Hemodialysis: Clinical Challenges, Patient-Centered Outcomes, and Quality of Life
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Authors
- McCollin, Daniel De, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Sengupta, Raja, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Sandal, Shaifali, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Background
While all dialysis facilities in the United States are required to maintain emergency preparedness plans, the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) emphasizes understanding disaster risk as a key priority. A risk-informed approach may support context-specific preparedness, governance, and infrastructure planning. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in North America, and patients receiving hemodialysis are particularly vulnerable because of the life-sustaining nature of treatment.
Methods
We conducted a Geographic Information Systems-based flood vulnerability assessment of dialysis facilities across Quebec using geocoded facility locations, historical floodzone data, waterbody proximity measures, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM)-derived elevation layers. Two exposure frameworks were applied: (1) facilities within 500 meters of a water body and (2) facilities within 1000 meters of a mapped historical floodzone. Elevation data for dialysis facilities, roads, water bodies, and floodzones were used to calculate elevation differentials and spatial accessibility. Facilities were classified as high, moderate, or low risk using elevation differential thresholds of <5 meters, 5–15 meters, and >15 meters, respectively.
Results
A total of 67 dialysis facilities across Quebec were included. In the event-based floodzone assessment, 21% of facilities were located within 1000 meters of a mapped historical floodzone; 5 were classified as high risk, 6 as moderate risk, and 3 as low risk. In the constant-risk waterbody assessment, 48% of facilities were located within 500 meters of a water body, with 11 classified as high risk, 13 as moderate risk, and 8 as low risk. Several facilities demonstrated compounded spatial vulnerability characterized by close hydrological proximity and limited elevation buffering. Spatial variability in flood vulnerability was observed across both urban and regional dialysis facilities.
Conclusion
We present a novel interdisciplinary approach to understanding dialysis facility vulnerability to flooding. These findings may support targeted resource allocation, infrastructure planning, transportation preparedness, and locally tailored disaster preparedness strategies for dialysis programs and health authorities. This framework may also be adapted to assess other climate-related disasters across Canada.