Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index

Area of Science:

• Disaster medicine
• Emergency management
• Healthcare administration

Background:

• Effective hospital surge capacity planning is crucial for disaster response.
• Existing planning tools may lack comprehensive frameworks for all-hazards scenarios.
• The need for adaptable resources to guide institutional preparedness is recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index, an all-hazards template.
• To enhance hospital planning by connecting actions to triggers across the capacity continuum.
• To provide a tool for assessing and communicating institutional service capacity.

Main Methods:

• Development of an all-hazards template by disaster medicine and emergency management experts.
• The template links institutional triggers to specific action items for surge capacity.
• The index is designed as a high-level, adaptable framework for institutional use.

Main Results:

• The Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index offers a structured approach to preparedness.
• It facilitates a clear understanding of institutional capacity during surge events.
• The tool promotes improved situational awareness and internal/regional coordination.

Conclusions:

• The Hospital Surge Preparedness and Response Index serves as a valuable responder tool.
• Tailoring the template to institutional specifics is key for optimal efficiency.
• The index supports enhanced preparedness, efficiency, and situational awareness in healthcare facilities.