Mapping Interoperability Within the National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program

In the event of a large-scale combat operation, the United States could anticipate large numbers of casualties returning home in need of care for long periods of time. To ensure care for those wounded, military and civilian healthcare organizations will need to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate. The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Pilot Program aims to strengthen partnerships and improve military-civilian interoperability across the United States.

This study leveraged survey data collected from local and regional emergency response organizations during tabletop exercises at each of 5 NDMS pilot sites to describe and assess partner relationships using social network analysis. A 4-point ordinal scale was used to assess individual existing partnerships' level of interoperability, which was averaged across each site to generate a site-level interoperability score. This study was reviewed by the Uniformed Services University's Human Research Protections Program Office and determined to constitute Program Evaluation in accordance with 32 CFR 219.102, and applicable DoD policy guidance. As such, this protocol is exempt from full Institutional Review Board (IRB) review.

Survey responses from 97 representatives resulted in a combined NDMS activation network with 259 distinct relationships among 131 organizations across 5 Pilot sites. Two moderately and 3 highly interoperable NDMS Pilot site response networks were identified, and the sites illustrated distinct network topologies. Local healthcare coalitions were the most frequent partner listed by respondents across 4 of 5 networks. Military-civilian partnerships were 70% less likely to be reported as highly interoperable compared to same-sector partnerships.

The application of network analysis to survey data demonstrated similarities in emergency response networks across 5 NDMS Pilot sites but also unique characteristics that highlight how public health and medicine are inherently local and community-led. The findings emphasize the continued need to improve military-civilian interoperability and the importance of operating within the existing regional emergency response network during an NDMS activation.