Mental health of nurses after the Fukushima complex disaster: a narrative review

Nukui, Hiroshi; Midorikawa, Sanae; Murakami, Michio; Maeda, Masaharu; Ohtsuru, Akira

A medical professional in this complex disaster reported having felt isolation and abandonment [19] . Feelings of isolation were also described during an infectious disease outbreak [29] . There are some common factors in relation to feelings of isolation found in medical staff involved in a radiation disaster and those involved in an outbreak, for example, seclusion with patients, protection clothing, and a risk perception of radioactive contamination or infection. Meanwhile, in the description of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, feelings of isolation were greatly alleviated by the aid of supporters, relief supplies, and timely donations. Many disaster victims did not doubt that relief would be provided in due course, enabling them to remain relatively calm and relieved [30, 31] . In designated evacuation areas for disasters, especially nuclear disasters, business continuity around the area experiences physical damage as well as lack of human resources [6, 32] . In addition, the safety of dispatched staff needs to be ensured during disaster medical assistance; however, it is very important to support victims so that they do not feel abandoned during the emergency.