Use of simulation models when developing and testing hospital evacuation plans: a tool for improving emergency...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Emergency Preparedness
• Simulation Modeling

Background:

• Hospital evacuation case studies often lack critical details for effective preparedness.
• Existing analyses highlight the need for improved evacuation planning policies.
• This study addresses the gap by using simulation to aid hospital evacuation plan development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the utility of a simulation model in developing, testing, and revising hospital evacuation plans.
• To provide a practical tool for emergency planners in healthcare settings.
• To conduct evacuation exercises in two emergency hospitals in Region Stockholm, Sweden.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a scientifically validated simulation system for interactive
• table top
• exercises.
• Included hospital medical staff, prehospital staff, and collaborating agencies in realistic, role-based scenarios.
• Employed real-time simulations with magnetic symbols on whiteboards, documenting actions and collecting post-exercise survey data.

Main Results:

• The simulation system enabled comprehensive testing and evaluation of the entire evacuation process.
• Key functions such as management, coordination, and communication were trained and assessed.
• Post-exercise surveys identified five key areas for improvement: management/liaison, communication, logistics, medical care/prioritization, and resource utilization.

Conclusions:

• Validated simulation systems for
• table top
• exercises effectively guide emergency planners in developing evacuation plans, procedures, and protocols.
• The simulation approach enhances training for medical staff, fostering adaptive thinking, leadership, and communication.
• Clarification of critical functions is a significant benefit of this simulation-based training method.