Hurricane Maria: Challenges Faced by Clinical Laboratories in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Hurricane Maria created an unprecedented crisis on Puerto Rico.  This paper aims to describe the effects of Hurricane Maria on clinical laboratories in Puerto Rico.  The study offered an opportunity to identify the challenges faced by clinical labs after the storm, how do they struggle to maintain their lab and also provide clues on possible solutions to mitigate similar situations on the future.  This exploratory research used a questionnaire with twenty-three (23) questions.  Data was collected 4 to 5 months after Hurricane Maria.  The sample consisted of sixty-three (63) clinical laboratories in Puerto Rico.  Participants were recruited face-to-face, by telephone, and email.  Clinical laboratories faced telecommunication problems, lack of electricity and water, shortage of supplies, damage of infrastructure, employee's problems, reduction of patients, and flooding at facilities.  Despite problems faced, the owners of the laboratories helped their employees, patients, and those affected in the community.  Clinical laboratories, as well as other small and medium-sized enterprises, in Puerto Rico need to overcome obstacles created by Hurricane Maria and mitigate similar situations on the future.  The study is of particular significance as it intends on reaching out small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) situation in Puerto Rico, specifically clinical laboratories, facing such a disaster.  It studied the impact of Hurricane Maria on clinical laboratories and their responses to the disaster.