Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2025
Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Rural hospital incident command leaders' perceptions of disaster preparedness
Jason P Murphy1,2, Clara Bergström3, Lina Gyllencruetz4
1Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University, Umeå, 90187, Sweden. jason.murphy@rkh.se.
Background:
Recent trends indicate that the frequency of major incidents (MIs) is increasing. Healthcare systems are vital actors in societies' responses to MIs. Well-prepared healthcare systems may mitigate the effects of MIs. Disaster preparedness is based on region-specific risk and vulnerability analyses (RVAs). Hospital incident command groups (HICGs) are commonly formed per hospital's contingency plan MI to aid in disaster response. Acquiring situational awareness and decision-making in the face of uncertainty are known challenges for HICGs during MIs. However, the remoteness of rural hospitals presents unique challenges.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to explore HICG leaders' perceptions of disaster preparedness in rural hospitals.
Methods:
A qualitative study with semi-structured, focus group, and individual interviews was used. The data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.
Results:
The analysis generated the main category, HICGs' confidence in handling major incidents and four categories. These were Uncertainty and level of recognition (containing two subcategories); Awareness of challenges and risks (containing two subcategories); Factors that facilitate preparedness, response, and leadership (containing three subcategories); and Prerequisites for decision-making (containing three subcategories and four subcategories).
Conclusions:
HICG leaders generally perceived their hospital's disaster preparedness as adequate. However, preparedness was found to be influenced by several factors. The findings revealed a complex interplay of factors influencing preparedness and response, particularly highlighting challenges related to geographical isolation and resource constraints. Effective preparedness requires a comprehensive understanding of local contexts, hospital capabilities, and risks, which directly impacts training, decision-making, and resource allocation. Addressing the identified vulnerabilities necessitates targeted interventions focused on situational awareness, decision-making, collaboration, and training.
Clinical Trial Number:
Not applicable.
Related Concept Videos
01:08Obedience
01:29Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
01:26Types of Reports III: Telephone and Verbal Reports
Here's an overview of each type:
Telephone Orders
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...