Identifying factors affecting the functional preparedness of hospitals in response to disasters: A qualitative study

Introduction: Health services are among the first needs and demands of people affected during disasters. Hospitals provide these services from the first moment. Hence, in these situations, the functional preparedness of hospitals to provide services is one of the influential factors in reducing deaths and complications caused by disasters. Underlying factors that are different in various communities can affect this readiness. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors affecting the preparedness of hospitals.Method of Evaluation: In this study, which is part of a larger research project, Local and underlying factors impacting the functional preparedness of hospitals in response to disasters have been identified using the qualitative study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with subject-matter experts who were purposively selected and analyzed using the content-analysis method.Results: In this study, ۱۷ individuals were interviewed. The content analysis of the interviews led to the formation of ۱۶۱ codes that were extracted and categorized from the integration of similar codes of ۱۱ main categories and ۳۶ subcategories. The ۱۱ main categories identified were: ۱- Leadership, command, and coordination ۲- Risk assessment ۳- Legislating and developing protocols, guidelines, instructions, and programs ۴- Anticipating and storing required supplies and equipment ۵- Human resource management ۶- Educating, training, and keeping employees up to date ۷- Vital routes and facilities ۸- Communications ۹- Safety and security ۱۰- Anticipating and determining physical locations ۱۱- Underlying factors.Conclusion: Several underlying factors affect the preparedness of hospitals. Therefore, Hospital managers and decision-makers can consider the underlying factors before disasters to ensure that medical services are provided in disasters.

کلیدواژه ها:

Functional Preparedness ، Hospital ، Disasters ، Response