Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Technology-dependent patients requiring life-sustaining interventions such as dialysis, oxygen therapy, insulin, or home mechanical ventilation are particularly vulnerable during disasters because disruptions to healthcare services, electricity, and supply chains can interrupt essential treatment. Evidence on disaster preparedness for these populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains fragmented. Objective To map the existing evidence on disaster preparedness, response, and continuity of care for technology-dependent patients in LMICs and identify research gaps. Methods A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guideline. PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2026. Eligible studies were screened independently by two reviewers, data were charted using a standardized form, and findings were synthesized narratively. Results A total of 1,609 records were identified, with 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Most evidence focused on dialysis (n = 7), particularly in Asia-Pacific and humanitarian settings. One study examined insulin-dependent diabetes care during humanitarian crises, while evidence on oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation was scarce and largely limited to COVID-19-related contexts. No study specifically investigated home mechanical ventilation in LMIC disaster settings. Across studies, common preparedness strategies included emergency planning, patient education, backup power systems, interfacility coordination, and telemedicine. Major evidence gaps included limited primary research, underrepresentation of LMIC settings, and a lack of evidence for several technology-dependent populations. Conclusion Evidence on disaster preparedness for technology-dependent patients in LMICs is limited and uneven across technologies. More context-specific primary research is needed to strengthen continuity of life-sustaining care during disasters.</p>