Table 1.

Characteristics of included studies.

First Author & [Ref No.]	Pub. Year	Type	Disaster Type	Study/Enquiry Subjects	Themes
The Royal Australian College of GP: multiple authors [1]	2004	Report, (grey literature)	Floods, storms, cyclones, bushfires, heatwaves	General practitioners, Australia	There is always an increased use of primary healthcare during a crisis. The role of general practice in the healthcare system during exceptional circumstances is not clearly specified or comprehensively studied. In regional areas, rural GPs usually play a vital role in disaster response. The skills of the rural and remote health workforce (nurses, paramedics and GPs) must be developed and maintained. Additional staffing for GP clinics is essential during disasters. The absence free medical care can deter or delay low-income rural patients from visiting their GP during an emergency. All jurisdictions need to maintain a data base of GPs willing to assist within their clinics and outside their clinics as required.
Hogg, W., et al. [2]	2006	Quantitative cross-sectional self-administered survey. N = 246	Pandemic influenza, SARS, serious respiratory PH emergencies	Family physicians, Canada	The majority of GPs feel that their clinics do not have adequate preparedness for serious respiratory public health emergencies. The majority of GPs (95%) support response measure including: e-mail, fax notices on public health efforts (95%), for physicians (94%), clinical recommendations (92%), internet bulletin boards, discussion groups (40%). The majority of GPs indicate a willingness to help if contacted on an urgent basis in the event of public health emergency or disaster. There are very few structures available for recruiting GPs into the public health response.
Ranse, J. [3]	2012	Qualitative: semi structured telephone interviews, N = 11	Bushfires, Australia	Primary care nursing staff (general practice nurses) (PNs)	General practice nurses (PNs) are educationally prepared and have adequate clinical experience to assist in bushfire disasters. During the bushfire emergency the PNs’ role involved providing psychosocial support, coordination of patient care and clinic resources and as problem solvers. The role involved minimal clinical care.
Teague, B. [4]	2016	Government Report, Hazelwood mine fire (grey lit.)	Coal mine fire	General Practitioners, Australia	During the coal mine fire, a sustained increased demand for general practice services (GPS) was reported in the region, yet little mention is made of the role of GPS in the report. An increase in respiratory illness was noted in the entire region especially in those patients with chronic conditions. The report acknowledges that some general practice data is missing as the Dept Health and Human Services did not collect it post fire. GPs felt public health messages were important as air quality varied over time. Department of Health and Human Services communicated with general practices via health alerts.
Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission [5]	2009	Govt report; various authors (grey lit.)	Bushfires, Australia	General Practitioners, Australia,	GPs provided medical care, material resources, skills, training, patient advocacy and media liaison during and after the bushfires. There is very little mention of the role of GPS in the report.
Robinson, M. [6]	2003	Qualitative: single case study-reflection	Bushfires, Australia	General Practitioners, Australia,	General practitioners have critical roles in the provision of round the clock general medical services to their communities in times of natural disaster. Divisions of general practice have a pivotal role to play in disaster plans.
Edwards, T.D., et al. [7]	2007	Qualitative narrative account. 27 community health centers	Hurricane	Family medicine physicians (community healthcare centers), USA	Primary care physicians are rarely mentioned in medical disaster plans Community (family physicians) effectively cared for the medical needs of disaster victims and prevented emergency departments and hospitals from being overwhelmed. Almost no literature on the role of family physicians in caring for disaster victims. Family physicians used non-traditional triage and treatment spaces in their clinics. The breadth of knowledge and skills that family physicians possess is an invaluable asset given the inherent uncertainties of a disaster.
Pitts, J., et al. [8]	2009	Qualitative, Semi-structured interview, N = 10	Pandemic influenza	General practice registrars, UK	GP registrars identified the following issues and consequences of an influenza pandemic using a simulated disaster planning approach: Stop unnecessary procedures and processes and expect a shortage of medical supplies. Triage, rationing, telephone advice facilities are an effective means to control the patient surge. Clinics could develop treatment criteria as the event unfolds. Doctors should prepare for 50% staff illness and for the consequences of school and childcare closure on staffing. Practice organisation can be altered including hours and shifts.
Dearinger, A.T., et al. [9]	2011	Quantitative, cross-sectional survey, N = 81	Pandemic influenza	Family physicians, USA	Information dissemination efforts between local health departments and primary health care professionals during respiratory surge events are inadequate (as perceived by family physicians [GPs].
Shaw, Kelly A. [10]	2006	qualitative study, semi-structured interview, N = 60	Pandemic influenza	General Practitioners, Australia,	Universal willingness of GPs to provide professional services in a pandemic. GPs are enthusiastic about receiving further information and training in pandemic preparedness. The role of the GPs in responding to pandemic influenza poorly defined. Significant practice preparedness issues were identified by GPs.
Johal, S., [11]	2014	Qualitative, semi-structured interview, N = 8	Earthquake	General Practitioners, New Zealand	All GPs reported a significant increase in workload after the earthquake. GPs often found themselves working outside their area of accustomed expertise. GPs identified a number of coping behaviors. GPs had a greater awareness of self-care strategies that helped them with the workload. The process for identifying hotspots of increased patient demand was poorly coordinated for GPs.
Dept. of Health and Ageing, [12]	2011	Government Review. (grey lit.)	Pandemic influenza	General Practitioners, Australia,	There are very few structures in place to liaise with, support and provide information to GPs during an influenza pandemic. General practice had a larger role than had been considered in the PH planning stage. The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN), and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), could deliver education, training and reminders to general practice staff.
Davidson, A.C., et al. [13]	1996	Quantitative Questionnaire	Thunderstorm Asthma	ED staff/patients in London hospitals, UK.	Asthma presentations to the ED increased by ten times the expected number from the onset of the thunderstorm. Most respiratory patients could be safely discharged home after an initial course of treatment in ED. Increased presentations were sustained for at least 12 h and up to 24 h post thunderstorm. Demands on ED resources increased in terms of personnel, equipment, medications and space.
Hajat, S., et al. [14]	1997	Quantitative	Thunderstorm Asthma	General Practitioners, UK.	GPs experienced six times the expected increase in asthma presentation the day after a TA epidemic. Consultations on the day of the storm did not increase as the onset was between 6 p.m.–9 p.m. when most practices were closed.
Higham, J., et al. [15]	1997	Quantitative	Thunderstorm Asthma	General Practitioners, deputizing service, UK	A general practice deputising service reported an increase in TA presentations (1500 additional asthma cases in 12 h) The geographical area with increased asthma cases was quite large.
Andrew, E., et al. [16]	2017	Quantitative	Thunderstorm Asthma	Ambulance service data, Australia	Time critical referrals from general practitioners utilizing ambulance services increased by 47% (21% to 80%) during the TA epidemic.