scholarly journals Disaster preparedness level of university hospitals of Sousse -Tunisia

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Lamine ◽  
M A Tlili ◽  
W Aouicha ◽  
E Taghouti ◽  
N Chebili ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Disasters, whether natural or man-made, are unpredictable. The health care systems, represented by hospitals, are on the front lines of the emergency and disaster response. Tunisian health structures, must be able to cope with a case of mass influx of victims following any disasters. Therefore, we conducted this study to describe the level of disaster preparedness of University Hospitals of Sousse - Tunisia. Methods A simple descriptive quote is the basis of a data collection, conducted between September and October 2019 and performed in both University Hospitals of Sousse - Tunisia (Farhat Hached and Sahloul). The measuring instrument used in this study is the 'Hospital Safety Index' designed by the World Health Organization in 2008. Data was analyzed using the 'Module and safety index calculator' which calculates a specific score for each module (structural safety, nonstructural safety and emergency and disaster management) and an overall score for hospital safety, and assigns an appropriate classification which can be “c/C” corresponds to a score from 0 to 0.35, “b/B” from 0.36 to 0.65, or “a/A” from 0.66 to 1. Results The overall safety index class of both hospitals was 'B'. Sahloul University Hospital was classified as 'a' in both structural and nonstructural safety modules and classified as 'c' in the emergency and disaster management module, in the other hand Farhat Hached University Hospital was classified as 'c' in structural safety module and classified as 'b' in both nonstructural safety and emergency and disaster management modules. Conclusions The hospitals' current levels of emergency and disaster management needs to be improved. Actually, both patients and staff safety as well as the hospital's ability to function during and after emergencies and disasters are potentially at risk. In both hospitals, intervention measures are needed in the short term. Key messages Appropriate disaster management should be based on a clear plan, preparedness and collaborative and effective efforts on the part of the community and the different organizations involved. A safe hospital needs to assure that its services remain accessible and functioning at maximum capacity, before, during and immediately after the impact of emergencies and disasters.

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s78-s78
Author(s):  
A. Djalali ◽  
A. Massumi ◽  
G. Öhlen ◽  
M. Castren ◽  
L. Kurland

IntroductionHospitals are highly complex facilities that play a key role in the medical response to disasters. However, they are susceptible to the impact of disasters with respect to their structural, non-structural and functional elements. Many hospitals have collapsed or been damaged and rendered nonfunctional as a consequence of disasters. The resilience of a hospital along with the capability of effective medical response to disasters is a key part of a community based disaster plan.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate and compare hospitals in Iran with respect to safety.MethodsThis study was performed as a survey in four hospitals in Iran. The Hospital Safety Index package from WHO was used as an evaluation tool. The evaluation team consisted of: a PhD in structural engineering, an architect with a Master's degree, a specialist in electrical and mechanical maintenance, a medical doctor, a specialist in disaster management, and an expert in health care planning. The hospitals were evaluated in three elements; structural, non-structural, and organizational. The hospital safety calculator was used.ResultsThe most important hazard for these hospitals was earthquakes. The structural safety at three hospitals was inadequate or at risk; and consequently needs intervention in a near future. Also, the administrative and organizational element of these hospitals was inadequate or at risk. All hospitals need intervention in the near future due to non-structural safety being inadequate. The overall safety index at one hospital was A (functional); in two hospitals B (at risk); and in one hospital C (inadequate).ConclusionsThe Iranian hospitals which had been assessed were on the whole unsafe. Also, these hospitals do not have a disaster management plan. Implementing a comprehensive disaster plan, including mitigation and a preparedness plan, would most likely enhance the safety of these hospitals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
Mahmoudreza Peyravi, MD, PhD ◽  
Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh, PhD Candidate ◽  
Fatemeh Gandomkar, MSc ◽  
Aman Allah Zamani, PhD Candidate ◽  
Amir Khorram-Manesh, MD, PhD

Background and objectives: Hospitals are the vital part of disaster management and their functionality should be maintained and secured. However, it can be the target of natural and man-made disasters. In Iran, Fars Province is prone to major incidents and disasters in its hospitals at any time during the course of a year. This study aimed to examine the Hospital Safety Index (HSI) in all hospitals (public and private) affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS).Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015-2016, using the World Health Organization’s HSI checklist. All 58 hospitals in Fars Province affiliated to SUMS were included. The hospital assessment team was formed to collect the data retrospectively and by visiting and interviewing hospital’s authority based on the checklist. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel.Results: The results showed that in the abovementioned years, the structural safety of hospitals reached the highest optimal level, whereas functional safety reached the lowest level. The results of the studies conducted in 2016 showed that during this year, the overall hospital safety level improved (6 and B).Conclusion: Although safety in hospitals located in Fars Province has improved due to continuous disaster mitigation and preparedness activities, there is still space for more improvement to achieve and maintain higher levels of safety in hospitals. Paying attention to this, the authors recommend that proper policies, legislation, and intra- and inter-institutional coordination are the requirements for a successful outcome.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Jafari ◽  
Reza Farahmand Rad ◽  
Akram Zolfaghari Sadrabad ◽  
Mohammad Reza Haghighi

Introduction: According to the importance of preparation of health care facilities against incidents and disasters, the aim of this study is to determine the level of preparation of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Hospital for responding to incidents and disaster after the Development of a hospital disaster-response plan. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study has investigated the level of vulnerability of the hospital against incidents and disasters and has identified the hazards threatening the Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in 2016. The used tool was the Farsi Hospital Safety Index (FHSI) questionnaire in three scopes of functional, structural and non-structural and the results were analyzed using the Excel software. Results: The results showed that the frequency of natural disasters in hospital was about 48%, functional safety level of about 56.39%, non-structural safety level was about 53.33, structural elements safety level was about 73.33, the score of weighted safety was about 63.94%, and the score of safety without weighing was about 56.41%. Conclusion: According to the results, it could be concluded that the amount of preparation of the hospital is in acceptable level and by developing a disaster response plan, the level of preparation of Yazd Shahid Sadoughi Hospital to confront the incidents and disasters could be improved, especially in structural and functional vulnerability sections.


2021 ◽  
Vol 331 ◽  
pp. 04009
Author(s):  
Mediana desfita ◽  
Djendrius

Indonesia is one of the very prone countries to disaster. The tsunami and earthquake disasters caused enormous damage to property and infrastructure as well as loss of life. An earthquake on September 30, 2009, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck the west coast of Sumatra, causing loss of life and damage to infrastructure. There were around 1,115 people killed, 1,214 seriously injured and 1,688 people lightly injured. A comprehensive study of natural disaster management activities or systems should be used as learning materials to form a disaster management system. Disaster preparedness by minimizing vulnerability has been identified as a better approach to dealing with disasters than post-disaster response. Creating a culture of prevention is critical to dealing with everyday hazards and the consequences of disasters. The study is using data from a natural disaster in west Sumatra, and data from people who were involved in the process of reconstruction post disasters in west Sumatra. This study aims to obtain an accurate description of the reconstruction post-disaster and relation with responsive gender activities in West Sumatra, and identify how the gender effect on reconstruction post-disaster in the West Sumatra region.


Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI) Regency is part of the South Sumatra Province whose area is prone to flooding and fire. As for the tropical region, OKI also has two extreme seasons between the rainy and dry seasons. In the dry season is a prone period of forest and land fires, while in the raining season, its prone to flooding. This study aimed to conduct Disaster Management in Wetland Settlements at Ogan Komering Ilir Regency. The method was using qualitative study design with six informant that consist of six local community and two key informant from worker of Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah and Dinas Kesehatan OKI. The result showed that disaster management was classified into four phase. First, the phase of prevention and mitigation that analyzed socialization efforts conducted in OKI were distribution of leaflets and posters. Then, phase of disaster preparedness showed preparedness program in OKI has not been implemented optimally. In disaster emergency response phase discovered no specific procedure in disaster management. Moreover, the phase of disaster recovery indicated that collaborative efforts with multi-sector stakeholders have been conducted. It can be concluded to prepare Disaster Response Village Programs in Ogan Komering Ilir.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s80-s80
Author(s):  
Jenny Luke ◽  
Richard Franklin ◽  
Peter Aitkin ◽  
Joanne Dyson

Introduction:Hospitals are fundamental infrastructure, and when well-designed can provide a trusted place of refuge and a central point for health and wellbeing services in the aftermath of disasters. The ability of hospitals to continue functioning is dependent on location, the resilience of buildings, critical systems, equipment, supplies, and resources as well as people. Working towards ensuring that the local hospital is resilient is essential in any disaster management system and the level of hospital resilience can be used as an indicator in measuring community resilience. The most popular measure of hospital resilience is the World Health Organisation’s Hospital Safety Index (HSI) used in over 100 countries to assess and guide improvements to achieve structurally and functionally disaster resilient hospitals. Its purpose is to promote safe hospitals where services “remain accessible and functioning at maximum capacity, and with the same infrastructure, before, during and immediately after the impact of emergencies and disasters.” It identifies likely high impact hazards, vulnerabilities, and mitigation/improvement actions.Aim:The HSI can be a valuable tool as part of the 2015-2030 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. However, to date, it has been used infrequently in developed countries. This project pilots the application of the HSI across seven facilities in a North Queensland health service (an area prone to cyclones and flooding), centered on a tertiary referral center, each providing 24-hour emergency health services.Results:Key indicators of resilience and the result of the audit will be discussed within geographical and cultural contexts, including the benefits of the HSI in augmenting existing hospital assessment and accreditation processes to identify vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies.Discussion:The research outcomes are to be used by the health service to improve infrastructure and provide anticipated community benefits, especially through the continuation of health services post disasters.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Goniewicz ◽  
Mariusz Goniewicz ◽  
Frederick M. Burkle ◽  
Amir Khorram-Manesh

With an increasing number of natural and man-made disasters, the need for preparedness in all levels of management is obvious. Among healthcare professionals responding to these emergencies, physicians are of particular importance due to their significant roles as leaders and frontline workers in minimizing morbidity and mortality of the affected population. This study analyses the preparedness of 549 physicians from all medical centers in Lublin, Poland to formulate their observations, suggestions, and recommendations concerning the improvement of the chain of response in disaster management. The results of this study show that the perceived preparedness of physicians for disaster management and response is not as high as it should be, and the majority of the respondents perceived their disaster preparedness insufficient. Training of physicians in disaster management and principles of disaster medicine is needed, by focusing on the specificity of rescue response to emergencies following disasters, and medical and non-medical aspects of the response with particular emphasis on a management approach covering all hazards.


Author(s):  
Barbara S. Tint ◽  
Viv McWaters ◽  
Raymond van Driel

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce applied improvisation (AI) as a tool for training humanitarian aid workers. AI incorporates principles and practices from improvisational theatre into facilitation and training. It is an excellent modality for training aid workers to deal with crisis and disaster scenarios where decision-making and collaboration under pressure are critical. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a theoretical base for understanding skills needed in disaster response and provides a case for innovative training that goes beyond the current standard. AI principles, activities and case examples are provided. Interviews with development experts who have participated in AI training are excerpted to reveal the impact and promise of this methodology. Findings – Different from typical training and games, which simulate potential crisis scenarios, AI works with participants in developing the skills necessary for success in disaster situations. The benefit is that workers are better prepared for the unexpected and unknown when they encounter it. Research limitations/implications – The current paper is based on author observation, experience and participant interviews. While AI is consistently transformative and successful, it would benefit from more rigorous and structured research to ground the findings more deeply in larger evidence based processes. Practical implications – The authors offer specific activities, resources for many others and practical application of this modality for training purposes. Social implications – Its application has tremendous benefits in training for specific skills, in creating greater cohesion and satisfaction in work units and breaking down culture and language barriers. Originality/value – This work is original in introducing these training methods to humanitarian aid contexts in general, and disaster preparedness and response in particular.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jared Bly ◽  
Louis Hugo Francescutti ◽  
Danielle Weiss

Disaster management involves the pillars of emergency management: planning and preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. Emergencies are serious events that threaten health, life, and property and can be managed within the capabilities of the affected organization. Disasters, on the other hand, are hypercomplex emergencies, requiring resources not immediately available. Disaster management follows the principles of emergency management, and emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and teamwork. Lack of resources will challenge people and organizations both in effects of disasters and the ability to manage them. Poverty, climate change, governance, and education are foundations to improve capacity. Hospitals play an important role in disaster response and can prepare accordingly. Plans, to be effective, must be implemented through appropriately-targeted exercises. Building on an all-hazards approach, to more hazard-specific considerations can improve disaster preparedness as well as day-to-day efficiency. Disaster management is complex and crucial. These principles are explored through the fictional tale of 1Tucci, a coastal city in the worst flood anyone can remember. Well, almost anyone…


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-90
Author(s):  
Moses Mike ◽  
Ricky Telg ◽  
Amy Harder ◽  
Jammie Loizzo ◽  
Angella Lindsey ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to investigate the weather-related disaster preparedness and response strategies of agricultural extension professionals in Trinidad during Tropical Storm Karen (TSK). Trinidad faces perennial flooding, and Trinidad extension professionals have often been involved in the management of weather-related disasters. TSK was contextualized as a case study, and a qualitative approach was used to investigate the lived experiences of the extension professionals who directly assisted with managing the event. Semi-structured interview data were collected, along with concept maps and participant-rendered drawings. Each interview was compared with the participant’s concept map and drawing, while the constant comparative technique was used to evaluate the interview data among the participants to derive themes. Data were collected remotely using internet platforms due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Findings indicated that disaster preparedness was strategized through field activities, including collecting data and providing disaster advice to clients. Disaster responsiveness was strategized through field actions, primarily through field evaluations for subsidy claims. In addition, related to disaster response, extension professionals faced various challenges in responding to TSK, most notably, the inability to access appropriate transportation. The findings of this study can guide the government of Trinidad and Tobago in bolstering the disaster management strategies of the country, as well as inform regional disaster management plans in other Caribbean countries.


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