Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mobile Health Units have become important resources for healthcare delivery to dispersed populations following natural disasters. However, criticism regarding their operational flexibility, health coverage and cost-effectiveness remain unaddressed. There are few studies evaluating their usefulness in natural disasters and deployment reports have never been included in peer-reviewed publications. With an expected rise in weather-related disasters, knowledge about the impact of MHUs on addressing health needs is needed. This study aimed to elucidate the use of mobile health units in natural disasters as described in the literature. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted, searching twenty-six databases and websites. Documents detailing operational characteristics and practices of mobile health units deployed to natural disasters, published between 2000 and 2022 in English, were included. Findings were analysed using thematic content analysis with the World Health Organization Classification and Minimum Standards for Emergency Medical Teams as a guiding framework. RESULTS: Nearly 3000 documents were screened, yielding thirteen documents eligible for inclusion. The literature highlighted seven themes: key characteristics, operational availability, services, benchmark indicator, staff, self-sufficiency and pre-deployment preparations. The reports cover earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, landslides and mudslides. Mobile health units were described to improve access to outpatient healthcare for populations with limited access to routine services. However, limitations related to mobility, logistics, referral capacity, health coverage and communication posed significant challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Data on the use of mobile health units in natural disasters is scarce with inconsistent reporting of key aspects, stressing a need for uniform reporting. In response to inaccessible fixed healthcare facilities, mobile health units were described to address the normal burden of disease rather than emergency care. Coordination, transportation, referral systems and data collection were highlighted as the main areas of improvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.