Disaster health management policies are being developed and implemented by various government and non-governmental organizations. However, there has been a lack of studies to comprehensively identify the key elements in the successful disaster health management policies.

A survey of experts was used to identify key elements of successful disaster health management policy arrangements. This research conducted 10 face-to-face interviews, together with 22 e-mail surveys to identify the key elements. The experts were selected based on the person's background and expertise in disaster health management and policy analysis.

Key elements of disaster health management policies were identified and introduced in four parts, including the characteristics of conceptual policy framework of disaster health management (risk assessment and recognition, strategic view, resilience community, inclusive and accountable, good structure with clear authority, fault tolerant, good communication, rigidity and flexibility, education and training, mutual understanding, effective funding), elements of policy development (adequate leadership, extensive consultation, clear goals and terms, easy to access and implement, locally owned and accepted, standard and flexibility, linkage with other policies, keep updated, involve all the stakeholders, regular drills as part of the policy), elements of policy implementation (well defined structure and agencies, professional disaster management body, delegate the power and coordination, maintain interests and involvement, communication, recognition of disaster risks, policy familiarity, full participation of health elements, financial support, specific measurement), and elements of policy effectiveness evaluation (advisory committee, evaluate true disasters, evaluate policies in exercises and drills, test people's knowledge, evidence of stakeholders contributing, practice and procedural change, evaluate operating procedural, scientific evidence).

Key elements must be considered in developing, implementing, and evaluating of disaster health management policies to ensure the success of these policies.