Table 4:

Steps in developing a vulnerability assessment within a local healthcare system⁵⁷.

1. Determine the scope of the vulnerability assessment.

2. Describe the current distribution and burden of climate-sensitive health conditions.

3. Identify hospital-wide strategies, policies, and measures that reduce the burden of climate-sensitive health conditions.

4. Examine the health implications of the potential impact of climate variability and change on the health care system.

5. Estimate the projected health impact using scenario modeling of future climate change, population changes, and other critical factors and quantify the uncertainty.

6. Synthesize the results by outlining gaps in preparedness and prioritize health system planning efforts in the near- (5–10 years) or longer-term (20+years)

7. Identify additional community adaptation measures and policies to reduce the negative health effects of extreme events in coastal areas.