The study of the quality and capacity of equipments′ functionality and non-structural vulnerability in selected Tehran general hospitals during an earthquake

Abstract

Introduction: In this research project, we studied the quality and capacity of the equipments' functionality and non-structural vulnerability of seven hospitals in the city of Tehran during an earthquake. Materials and Methods: The research's place was general hospitals with private and governmental management; the research society was all Tehran general hospitals where a random sample of seven general hospitals were studied in eleven different categories. The methodology of the study was descriptive cross sectional; sampling was random simple and the instrument for the study was World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Standard checklist. The lowest levels of functionality were observed in emergency exit systems, communication systems, furniture, and equipments. Results: The heating and cooling systems, air conditioning of specific sections, medical gas systems, fire detection and extinguisher of most hospitals in the study were functioning at satisfactory levels. Even though in general assessment, 56% of the hospitals were functioning at satisfactory levels in non-structural features, in every hospital the critical, vital, and effective sections were functioning at an average and some in even low levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, non-structural assessment of hospitals under the study did not show the satisfactory level of ability to respond appropriately at the time of crisis. There are existing standard guidelines for the safety of non-structural elements in hospitals that explain all the necessary steps needed to maintain and protect these components in great details. Therefore, any strategies for improvement in aforementioned components are due to the establishment of better laws and regulations. Our suggestions procedures are as fallowing: 1. Official quality assessment of all hospitals, detection of non-structural safety problems, and introduction of strategies to solve these problems. 2. Passing of an official, mandatory safety and response capability bill for hospitals and medical centers. 3. Establishment and enforcement of incentive and fines for the medical center management to ensure the ability to respond to crisis and/or national disasters.