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Disaster management and the emergency department: a framework for planning
Deborah H Kim1, Pamela W Proctor, Linda K Amos
1Emergency Management and Hazardous Materials Program, University of Utah Hospital and Health Sciences Center, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. debbie.kim@hsc.utah.edu
The Nursing Clinics of North America
|January 31, 2002
Summary
Hospitals must update disaster plans due to new Joint Commission standards. This involves integrating Emergency Management principles and utilizing new planning tools for improved hospital preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Administration
- Emergency Management
- Hospital Preparedness
Background:
- The Joint Commission Accrediting Hospital Organization (JCAHO) has updated Environment of Care standards.
- These changes necessitate a review and revision of existing hospital disaster planning processes.
- Emergency Management (EM) principles, common in municipal and industrial sectors, are now integral to healthcare disaster planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a framework for hospitals to adapt their disaster plans.
- To guide healthcare organizations in aligning with new JCAHO standards.
- To introduce practical tools for enhancing the hospital disaster planning process.
Main Methods:
- A structured framework for revising hospital disaster plans was developed.
- The framework incorporates established Emergency Management methodologies.
- Examples of practical planning tools are provided for implementation.
Main Results:
- Hospitals can systematically update their disaster plans by adopting the proposed framework.
- Integration of EM enhances the robustness of hospital-specific disaster preparedness.
- The presented tools offer actionable solutions for planning challenges.
Conclusions:
- Adapting to new JCAHO standards requires a strategic approach to disaster planning.
- Implementing Emergency Management principles is crucial for effective hospital disaster response.
- The provided framework and tools support hospitals in achieving better disaster readiness.