Hospital Disaster Preparedness: A Comprehensive Evaluation Using the Hospital Safety Index

Mariusz Goniewicz, Amir Khorram-Manesh, Dariusz Timler, Ahmed M. Al-Wathinani and Krzysztof Goniewicz ()
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Mariusz Goniewicz: Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland
Amir Khorram-Manesh: Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, 41345 Goteborg, Sweden
Dariusz Timler: Department of Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 92-209 Lodz, Poland
Ahmed M. Al-Wathinani: Department of Emergency Medical Services, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Krzysztof Goniewicz: Department of Security, Polish Air Force University, 08-521 Deblin, Poland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Mass-casualty incidents and disaster scenarios pose significant challenges for medical facilities, necessitating robust preparedness measures. This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of a specific medical facility in Poland, using the hospital safety index (HSI). A comprehensive analysis of structural, functional, and organizational factors was conducted, assessing facility infrastructure, technical facilities, safety standards, work organization, cooperation with external facilities, human resource management, crisis planning, and communication strategies. The facility exhibited strengths in infrastructural requirements and inter-facility cooperation. Areas of improvement included adherence to safety procedures, crisis communication, and the frequency of evacuation drills. Furthermore, recommendations were provided for enhancing nurse reserves, adopting lean management, promoting a safety culture, and refining business continuity plans. The findings should be interpreted with caution, due to the single-facility focus, potential HSI protocol subjectivity, and the possible Hawthorne effect. This study underscores the importance of continuous research and improvement in crisis management strategies and disaster-victim care, emphasizing the pivotal role of the HSI as an evaluative tool.

Keywords: hospital safety index; mass-casualty incidents; disaster preparedness; safety culture; crisis management; lean management; healthcare (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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