Hospital Preparedness Research Articles

Measuring preparedness of hospitals to manage traumatic brain injuries: Criterion development and assessment in an Indian district

Measuring preparedness of hospitals to manage traumatic brain injuries: Criterion development and assessment in an Indian district

Tenecteplase in Pediatric Stroke: Ready or Not

BackgroundIntravenous thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator is used for off-label treatment of acute childhood stroke. Tenecteplase (TNK) is used to treat acute stroke in adults at many institutions, although there are extremely few data about TNK use in children. We aimed to characterize pediatric stroke experts’ experience and preferences with regard to TNK use in children with stroke. MethodsOnline survey distributed to members of the International Pediatric Stroke Organization in April 2023. ResultsWe received 33 responses. Most (81.2%) respondents reported only being “a little familiar” or “somewhat familiar” with TNK. Only six (18%) respondents reported being “familiar” or “very familiar” with TNK. Seventy percent of respondents were willing to treat pediatric stroke with TNK, at least in some situations. In a hypothetical scenario of a child in an outside emergency room with only TNK available, 81.8% would consider recommending treatment with TNK. However, only three (9.1%) respondents had TNK in their stroke protocol and seven (21.2%) had TNK on formulary at their hospital. Two respondents reported direct awareness of a child treated with TNK. ConclusionsThe majority of pediatric stroke neurologists responding to this survey reported a willingness to consider TNK use in children. However, data on TNK use in children, provider experience, and pediatric hospital preparedness are limited.

The third Medical Emergency Teams – Hospital outcomes in a day (METHOD3) study: The application of quality metrics for rapid response systems around the world

AimThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess the readiness of international hospitals to implement consensus-based quality metrics for rapid response systems (RRS) and evaluate the feasibility of collecting these metrics. MethodsA digital survey was developed and distributed to hospital administrators and clinicians worldwide. The survey captured data on the recommended quality metrics for RRS and collected information on hospital characteristics. Statistical analysis included descriptive evaluations and comparisons by country and hospital type. ResultsA total of 109 hospitals from 11 countries participated in the survey. Most hospitals had some form of RRS in place, with multiple parameter track and trigger systems being commonly used. The survey revealed variations in the adoption of quality metrics among hospitals. Metrics related to patient-activated rapid response and organizational culture were collected less frequently. Geographical differences were observed, with hospitals in Australia and New Zealand demonstrating higher adoption of core quality metrics. Urban hospitals reported a lower number of recorded metrics compared to metropolitan and rural hospitals. ConclusionThe study highlights the feasibility of collecting consensus-based quality metrics for RRS in international hospitals. However, variations in data collection and adoption of specific metrics suggest potential barriers and the need for further exploration. Standardized quality metrics are crucial for effective RRS functioning and continuous improvement in patient care. Collaborative initiatives and further research are needed to overcome barriers, enhance data collection capabilities, and facilitate knowledge sharing among healthcare providers to improve the quality and safety of RRS implementation globally.

The Field’s mass shooting: emergency medical services response

BackgroundMajor incidents (MI) happen infrequently in Scandinavia and mass shootings are even less frequently occurring. Case reports and research are called for, as literature is scarce. On 3rd July 2022, a mass shooting took place at the shopping mall Field’s in Copenhagen, Denmark. Three people were killed and seven injured by a gunman, firing a rifle inside the mall. A further 21 people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation of the mall. In this case report, we describe the emergency medical services (EMS) incident response and evaluate the EMS´ adherence to the MI management guidelines to identify possible areas of improvement.Case presentationForty-eight EMS units including five Tactical Emergency Medical Service teams were dispatched to the incident. Four critically injured patients were taken to two trauma hospitals. The deceased patients were declared dead at the scene and remained there for the sake of the investigation. A total of 24 patients with less severe and minor injuries were treated at four different hospitals in connection with the attack. The ambulance resources were inherently limited in the initial phase of the MI, mandating improvisation in medical incident command. Though challenged, Command and Control, Safety, Communication, Assessment, Triage, Treatment, Transport (CSCATTT) principles were followed.ConclusionsThe EMS response generally adhered to national guidelines for MI. The activation of EMS and the hospital preparedness program was relevant. Important findings were communication shortcomings; inherent lack of readily available ambulance resources in the initial critical phase; uncertainty regarding the number of perpetrators; uncertainty regarding number of casualties and social media rumors that unnecessarily hampered and prolonged the response. The incident command had to use non-standard measures to mitigate potential challenges.

How public hospitals manage epidemic crises? Lessons from Iranian public hospitals

BACKGROUND: The public hospital preparedness is essential for epidemic disaster like COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted to present a hospital management preparedness model of Iran's public hospitals for the epidemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method of this study was an exploratory sequential mix method study (qualitative–quantitative). In this study, qualitative and quantitative methods were used in four stages. (1) Interviews with hospital managers to identify hospital management experiences during the COVID-19 epidemic and categorize the results in themes and subthemes, (2) assessing the performance of public hospitals in managing the coronavirus epidemic in a quantitative method, (3) present the initial hospital management model for a public hospital in epidemic conditions using an expert panel, and (4) validation of the model using the Delphi method. RESULTS: Experiences of hospital managers and specialists were categorized into eight themes: information gathering and environmental analysis, general and operational planning, provision of equipment and physical and financial resources, training and empowerment of human resources, a compilation of instructions and job descriptions, review and ensuring maximum readiness, monitoring and follow-up of service provision and existing problems, evaluation and feedback of performance problems and level of preparation and 51 sub-themes. The quantitative study indicated that all the investigated indicators had a significant decrease in the first month and an increase in the epidemic's continuation. The results were categorized in nine themes and 59 sub-themes, and finally, the model was validated in one round by the Delphi method. CONCLUSION: In Iran, managers have valuable experiences in COVID-19 epidemy management, but these experiences are scattered and not organized. In this study, by a qualitative–quantitative, a model was presented that contains essential points obtained from the experience of hospital managers and experts in actual disaster conditions and is appropriate and fits hospital structure and infrastructure of the health system in Iran.

Remote patient monitoring for high-risk oncology patients: A feasibility implementation study.

410 Background: Electronic patient-reported symptom assessment surveys are used in remote monitoring interventions to connect care between the patient and clinical care providers through technology with mobile devices and patient portals. Patient responses to the assessments generate alerts sent to the clinicians who proactively manage the patient’s symptoms at home. This study’s purpose was to determine the feasibility of implementing a remote patient monitoring program in a community-based hospital and cancer institute. Methods: We explored the clinical care models used to assess and manage patient symptoms and the perceptions of hospital stakeholders about the barriers and facilitators of integrating the program into hospital clinical systems. This mixed method study disseminated the Readiness for Implementation survey to hospital stakeholders in September 2022 to obtain estimations of the proportion of positive agreement to hospital culture, learning, leadership, and resources for integrating a remote patient monitoring intervention. The qualitative aspect of the study used purposeful sampling to recruit 52 participants from the surveyed sample and additional administrators, clinical providers, staff nurses, and patients to focus groups. Items from the study’s survey that had the greatest proportion of disagreement were identified as the topics for the interview guide and included: 1) participant perceptions of implementing change 2) the change climate, 3) available resources, and 4) barriers and facilitators of remote patient monitoring for oncology patients. Results: All study results will be presented. Survey results from 53 of 63 hospital stakeholders [84% response rate] validated hospital readiness for implementing remote patient monitoring. Feedback from 8 interviews and 5 focus groups [8 administrators, 5 technology specialists, 14 nurse leaders and staff nurses, 13 oncologists, 5 radiation oncology staff, and 7 patients] averaging 6-20 participants per group, were conducted in January 2023. The transcripts were recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis using Thematic Analysis and found data saturation in 14 interview sessions. Transcripts were independently coded and sorted into thematic categories. Global themes were summarized across domains and consensus among the study team identified three major themes: Integrating change into hospital systems, Relevance to patient care teams, and Patient and Family Centered Care. Each theme contained several subthemes that were similarly explored. Conclusions: A remote patient monitoring intervention was perceived to be feasible and of value by surveyed hospital stakeholders. Participants reported their insight for integrating change and operationalizing hospital systems to improve a patient’s experience and access to care. Future work will evaluate the investment in technology enhancements and staffing resources.

A ANALYSIS OF PREPARATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS AT RSJ PROF HB SAANIN PADANG USING THE DOQ-IT METHOD

According to PMK No. 24 of 2022, a medical record is a document containing data on patient identity, examination, treatment, actions, and other services that have been provided to the patient. Through this policy, health service facilities are required to run an electronic patient medical history recording system. The transition process is carried out until no later than 31 December 2023. This type of research uses quantitative methods. Quantitative research methods are used to determine the picture of hospital readiness. The method used to analyze hospital readiness is DOQ-IT with indicators of organizational culture readiness, governance and leadership readiness, human resource readiness, and infrastructure readiness. Based on the results of the research that has been carried out, information can be obtained that in the aspects of human resources, organizational work culture, leadership governance, and infrastructure as a whole can be seen from the answers of 18 ready respondents (46.06%) and very ready as many as 20 people (49.87%) then with the respondent's answer not ready as many as 1 person (2.22%) the answer is very unprepared as many as 1 person (0.35%) and for the answer hesitant as many as 1 person (1.44%), it is confirmed from the informant that the preparation for the implementation of electronic medical records is ready to be implemented.

Hospital readiness in implementing credentials, verification and readiness of medical personnel according to Staff Qualification and Education (SQE) assessment element 10 accreditation standards in Regional General Hospitals of West Muna District Southeas

Background: National data for 2022 records that 3,120 hospitals have been registered, of which 78.8% (2,482 units) of hospitals have been accredited and 638 hospitals (21.2%) have not been accredited. In Southeast Sulawesi there are 38 hospitals spread across all districts and cities, including 12.9 plenary accreditations, 5.3% main accreditations, 18.4% intermediate accreditations and 10.53 basic accreditations. Meanwhile, the regional general hospital in West Muna Regency is still basic accredited and continues to strive to improve the quality of service by preparing the implementation of medical personnel readiness, credentials and verification. The aim of this research is to see the readiness of hospitals in implementing credentials, verification and readiness of medical personnel based on the SQE assessment elements of 10 accreditation standards at the West Muna Regency Hospital. Method: This research uses a qualitative method with a case study design, the informants in this research were 16 people from government agencies, professional organizations, civil service, medical committees and doctors at the West Muna Regency Regional Hospital. Next, interviews were conducted using interview Result: The results of the research show that the West Muna Regency regional general hospital is ready to implement credentials which are marked by the recruitment of medical personnel, there are regulations in the recruitment of medical personnel, there is a credential flow and also medical personnel credential files. However, in its implementation, the West Muna Regency regional general hospital also experienced obstacles such as completeness of files and readiness of the bestari partners themselves. 2) Based on the research results, the West Muna Regency regional general hospital is also ready to verify medical personnel files. Validation of documents is carried out through the relevant site. 3) The West Muna Regency regional general hospital is also ready in terms of medical personnel to carry out qualifications and education for medical personnel. This can be seen from the regular monitoring and evaluation of STR or registration certificate and SIP or practice license for medical personnel and the existence of regulations governing STR or registration certificate for medical personnel. Kesimpulan: West Muna District Hospital is ready to implement credentialing, verification and readiness of medical personnel according to the SQE 10 accreditation standard assessment elements. So hospitals need to increase their bestari partners through communication with professional organizations, equipping medical personnel resources according to service needs to the community and preparing infrastructure so that the health service process is more optimal.

Hospital preparedness and response to the Freetown oil tanker explosion - A case study of A Tertiary Hospital in Sierra Leone

Oil tanker explosions are a fairly common cause of disaster in sub–Saharan Africa. These disasters may have secondary effects on health service delivery due to collapse of routine health service provision as staff concentrate on taking care of the disaster victims. This might suggest that our hospitals and health systems are not fully prepared to cope with these situations. The article aims to share our experience in managing tanker explosions in terms of disaster preparedness and response, access to drugs and medical supplies, access to laboratory facilities and the medical and surgical problems commonly encountered as well as possible recommendations.

Preparedness of Iranian nurses against COVID-19: An analytical study.

The reasons for the unfavorable performance of hospitals in providing care to Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) patients include the lack of preparation, knowledge, and relevant skills, making it necessary to evaluate the preparedness of nurses to respond to COVID-19. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the preparedness of hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. In this analytical study, data were collected from 350 randomly selected nurses who worked in three hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; demographic information tools and the preparation of nurses for COVID-19 patients were used to collect the data. We analyzed the data using SPSS software version 26. The mean and standard deviation of the total preparation score was 118.85 ± 0.98. The lowest (6.80 ± 0.18) and highest (23.35 ± 0.19) average values belonged to risk assessment and management and COVID-19, respectively. The score of nurses'preparedness to deal with COVID-19 was not statistically correlated with age, work experience, and so on. The average preparation score was significantly different in different treatment departments (operating room and COVID-19). The preparation of nurses was low in dealing with COVID-19. Thus, managers of nursing services should design and implement educational programs to strengthen the nurses'weaknesses and ultimately increase their awareness and skills in dealing with disasters.

Determination Analysis of Hospitals in East Java on Readiness in Facing a Pandemic Based on the WHO Rapid Hospital Readiness Checklist

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health service providers, especially hospitals, are expected to be able to optimize all their resources in providing services to patients. Assessment of hospital readiness in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to ensure that hospitals continue to maintain and improve the quality of health services and patient safety. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of hospital classification, type of service, referral status and accreditation status on hospital readiness in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in East Java. Methods: The design of this study is a quantitative observational analytic type with a cross sectional approach. The population of this study is 385 hospitals in East Java. The sampling technique of probability sampling with a stratified random sampling approach obtained a sample of 129 hospitals. The data analysis used is Dummy Multiple Linear Regression. Results: The results showed that the classification of the hospital with a p value = 0.001 and the accreditation status with a p = 0.000 had an effect on the readiness of the hospital to face a pandemic. Meanwhile, the type of service with a p value = 0.397 and referral status with a p value = 0.077 did not affect the readiness of the hospital to face a pandemic. Conclusion: Hospital classification and accreditation status influence hospital readiness to face the COVID-19 pandemic in East Java. Therefore, regular monitoring and evaluation of readiness to face a pandemic is important for all hospitals to carry out through independent assessments. Making efforts to improve each component, especially in class C and D hospitals, as well as collaborating with the Health Service is very necessary to fulfill regulations and implement improved services for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.

Assessment of Hospital Preparedness To Prevent Mother-Baby Mix- Ups and Abductions: Insights From Public Hospitals In Lahore District

Assessment of Hospital Preparedness To Prevent Mother-Baby Mix- Ups and Abductions: Insights From Public Hospitals In Lahore District

Resilience, sense of danger, and reporting in wartime: a cross-sectional study of healthcare personnel in a general hospital

Background and AimsMaintaining healthcare services and ensuring the presence of healthcare personnel (HCP) during periods of conflict and high-intensity warfare in Israel including the significant security event that occurred on May 2021, pose significant challenges for hospitals in the range of missile attacks. The May 2021 event, marked by intense hostilities and military actions, brought about heightened security escalations and increased risks in the region. Despite the prevailing threat of missile attacks and ongoing security concerns, hospitals in the affected areas were required to sustain their services and uphold care standards. In light of these circumstances, this study aims to identify the factors that influence the percentage of HCP reporting for work during these intense periods of security escalations and wartime in Israel. Specifically, it explores the relationships between resilience, sense of danger, and HCP absenteeism in the context of the ongoing conflict. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for designing interventions aimed at decreasing HCP absenteeism during security escalations, wartime, and emergency situations, ultimately contributing to the resilience and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in this challenging environment.MethodsDuring a relative calm period from December 2021 to January 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted at a southern Israeli general hospital, situated within the range of missile attacks in the midst of a longstanding conflict. The study focused on HCP who were employed before May 21, which marked the end of the last war state at that time. The questionnaire, consisting of measures for resilience using the Conor-Davidson scale (CD-RISC 10) and the sense of danger assessed with the Solomon & Prager inventory, was administered online to all hospital employees at Assuta Ashdod Hospital, located in the southern city of Ashdod, Israel. This approach was chosen due to the challenging nature of conducting a study during an existing war, making it impractical to carry out the research during such periods of active war.ResultsIn total, 390 employees completed the survey (response rate of 24%). Of this sample, 77.4% reported fully to work during the last security escalations in May 2021. Most of the sample (84.1%) felt insecure on the way to work. The HCP who reported fully to work had a higher level of resilience than employees who reported partially or did not come to work at all (p = .03). A higher sense of danger in the workplace correlated with a 73% increase in absenteeism (p < .01). Absenteeism (partial or full) was higher among HCP with children who require supervision (p < .01). Hospital preparedness for emergencies as perceived by the employees increased HCP attendance at work (p = .03).ConclusionsHospital management should consider designing programs aimed at potentially strengthening the level of resilience and fostering a greater sense of security among hospital personnel, which might encourage greater attendance at work during wartime, crises, or emergencies.

Exploring attitudes towards health preparedness in the Middle East and North Africa against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats: A qualitative study

AbstractSince 1970, Middle East and North African (MENA) countries have witnessed evolutionary industrial development and long‐running terrorist and inter‐country conflicts. Additionally, the risk of accidental, deliberate or natural chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats has also increased, requiring a collaborative review of the health sectors’ preparedness for potential CBRN risks within the region. This study aimed to explore the opinion of multidisciplinary experts interested in disaster management research in MENA about perspectives and challenges on readiness for potential CBRN incidents.A modified interview online link was sent to the participants. A qualitative thematic analysis was performed on the responses using Nvivo®12 software, following semi‐structured modified interviews using the Phonic® application.A total of 29 participants were sufficient to reach the data saturation. Through an inductive coding approach, five themes were identified: ‘CBRN‐Related Incidents are a Threat’, ‘Inadequate National Practice and Policy’, ‘Need for International Cooperation’, ‘Importance of Better Mass Gathering Management’, and ‘Ineffective Hospital Preparedness’.With the assistance of the World Health Organization, there is a consensus on the need for cooperation between the MENA countries to ensure adequate healthcare preparedness for CBRN threats. Suggested measures should be considered, such as creating a unified database and liaison officer designation.

Lean Six Sigma and quality performance in Italian public and private hospitals: a gender perspective

PurposeLean Six Sigma in public and private healthcare organisations has received considerable attention over the last decade. Nevertheless, such process improvement methodologies are not generalizable, and their effective implementation relies on contextual variables. The purpose of this study is to explore the readiness of Italian hospitals for Lean Six Sigma and Quality Performance Improvement (LSS&QPI), with a focus on gender differences.Design/methodology/approachA survey comprising 441 healthcare professionals from public and private hospitals was conducted. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the mean scores on the LSS&QPI dimensions based on hospital type, gender and their interaction.FindingsThe results showed that public healthcare professional are more aware of quality performance improvement initiatives than private healthcare professionals. Moreover, gender differences emerged according to the type of hospital, with higher awareness for men than women in public hospitals, whereas for private hospitals the opposite was true.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the Lean Six Sigma literature by focusing on the holistic assessment of LSS&QPI implementation.Practical implicationsThis study informs healthcare managers about the revolution within healthcare organisations, especially public ones. Healthcare managers should spend time understanding Lean Six Sigma as a strategic orientation to promote the “lean hospital”, improving processes and fostering patient-centredness.Originality/valueThis is a preliminary study focussing on analysing inter-relationship between perceived importance of soft readiness factors such as gender dynamics as a missing jigsaw in the current literature. In addition, the research advances a holistic assessment of LSS&QPI, which sets it apart from the studies on single initiatives that have been documented to date.

Disaster Cluster Approach: A Study of A New Model of Disaster Response

Background The current models of disaster response focus on international collaborations and assistance. However, little is known about the Saudi health cluster's disaster preparedness and response model. Aim This study aims to describe disaster response steps and elaborates on the administrative structure, timeframes, challenges, and recent lessons learned. Methods We reviewed the current disaster response model of the Saudi Arabian health clustering system. Pre-planned data was reviewed, and disaster contact personnel were contacted for further details. In addition, we portray a recent actual response scenario of code brown of electricity failure, including early activation and subsequent evacuation. Result Three main criteria for determining the emergency response levels are bed capacity, the number of patients affected, and the event's propensity for escalation. Five activation levels are already in place, ranging from local hospital disaster unit response to the involvement of National response led by the Kingdom’s leader. Hospital readiness to receive evacuated patients was tested in a real scenario, and an uneventful evacuation was carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the cluster design. Conclusion Overall, the new disaster response model has overcome some reported challenges. However, several challenges still exist, and system evolution is expected.

Effect of early warning system on the preparedness of hospitals in emergencies and disasters: A quasi-experimental study

The present study aims to determine the effect of the early warning system (EWS) on the preparedness of hospitals in emergencies and disasters. This study was a quasi-experimental study conducted with two groups. One month, and then three months after determining hospital preparedness (HP) through the world health organization standard checklist, a seminar and two-session workshop as intervention, and installing a flowchart for activating the EWS in important hospital sections, HP was reevaluated and analyzed by longitudinal descriptive statistics. A total of 30 nurses were included in the present research. The findings suggested the preparedness score of intervention hospitals before the intervention, one month, and three months after that the biggest change occurred in the communication sector with a 10-point increase; the smallest change occurred in the continuity of essential services and port-disaster recovery; the overall score of HP changed from being poor before the intervention to medium after three months (P&lt;0.05). In the control hospital, human resources had the biggest change with a 4-point increase; command and control, communications, continuity of essential services, and post-disaster recovery had the smallest change with a 1-point increase; the overall HP was poor and remained poor despite the increase in scores (P&lt;0.05). In sum, the outcomes of this study imply that the intervention hospital has a moderate level of disaster preparedness. The findings of this study highlight the importance of instituting an EWS in all hospitals across the country to enhance readiness for calamities. Hence, implementing EWS in similar conditions in other hospitals in the country can improve the preparedness of these hospitals in emergencies and disasters to a great extent.

Multicenter assessment of impairments and disabilities associated with Beirut blast injuries: a retrospective review of hospital medical records

ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the injury patterns of the Beirut blast victims and assess hospitals’ disaster management and preparedness during the 2020 Beirut port blast.MethodsA cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study...

Wastewater-based surveillance identifies start to the pediatric respiratory syncytial virus season in two cities in Ontario, Canada.

Detection of community respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections informs the timing of immunoprophylaxis programs and hospital preparedness for surging pediatric volumes. In many jurisdictions, this relies upon RSV clinical test positivity and hospitalization (RSVH) trends, which are lagging indicators. Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) may be a novel strategy to accurately identify the start of the RSV season and guide immunoprophylaxis administration and hospital preparedness. We compared citywide wastewater samples and pediatric RSVH in Ottawa and Hamilton between August 1, 2022, and March 5, 2023. 24-h composite wastewater samples were collected daily and 5 days a week at the wastewater treatment facilities in Ottawa and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, respectively. RSV WBS samples were analyzed in real-time for RSV by RT-qPCR. RSV WBS measurements in both Ottawa and Hamilton showed a lead time of 12 days when comparing the WBS data set to pediatric RSVH data set (Spearman's ρ = 0.90). WBS identify early RSV community transmission and declared the start of the RSV season 36 and 12 days in advance of the provincial RSV season start (October 31) for the city of Ottawa and Hamilton, respectively. The differing RSV start dates in the two cities is likely associated with geographical and regional variation in the incidence of RSV between the cities. Quantifying RSV in municipal wastewater forecasted a 12-day lead time of the pediatric RSVH surge and an earlier season start date compared to the provincial start date. These findings suggest an important role for RSV WBS to inform regional health system preparedness, reduce RSV burden, and understand variations in community-related illness as novel RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies become available.

Investigating the Level of Preparedness of Iranian Hospitals against CBRN Incidents: A Case Study of Hospitals in West Azerbaijan Province

Background: Hospitals are the front line of dealing with Incidents. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents are alarming for governments' healthcare providers and the public. Therefore, they must make the necessary preparations to deal with these incidents. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the preparedness of hospitals against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents and the related influential factors. Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional survey in northwest Iran, 2020-2022. The statistical population was the hospitals of West Azerbaijan province. The inclusion criteria were that hospitals must be university or therapeutic affiliated with the West Azerbaijan University of Medical Sciences, and at least one year had to be passed since the hospital’s operation. Also, the exclusion criteria were that the hospitals were on the verge of closing or changing their use. In this way, 26 hospitals in West Azerbaijan were studied. The "Canadian Center for Emergency Preparedness" evaluation checklist research tool was used to determine the level of preparedness of the studied hospitals in CBRN incidents. The data was collected for 5 months, from January to May 2021. Cronbach's alpha score for this checklist was 0.94. Descriptive and analytical statistics indicators were used for data analysis using SPSS 20 software. Results: The study showed that the hospitals lacked the preparation, capacities, and abilities to deal with CBRN incidents. In the single-variable mode, in the chemical dimension, the number of morgues of the deceased (P = 0.006); in the biological aspect, per capita educational factors in the biological domain (P = 0.03), the number of facility personnel (P = 0.04), the number of infectious disease specialists (P = 0.02), the number of equipment with optimal laboratory capabilities (P = 0.04), and the number of morgues of the deceased (P = 0.006); in the radiological and nuclear dimensions per capita of nuclear education (P = 0.01) and dosimeter (P = 0.03), and the general dimension the CBRN training per capita (P = 0.004), the number of personnel (P = 0.015), and laboratory equipment (P = 0.006) had a significant relationship with the preparedness of hospitals against CBRN incidents (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, this study's results showed that hospitals' preparedness against CBRN incidents was unsatisfactory, and appropriate policies needed to be adopted to improve it.