Pediatric disaster preparedness of a hospital network in a large metropolitan region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajdm.2010.0003Keywords:
pediatric, disaster preparedness, hospital networkAbstract
Objectives: We describe pediatric-related emergency experiences and responses, disaster preparation and planning, emergency plan execution and evaluation, and hospital pediatric capabilities and vulnerabilities among a disaster response network in a large urban county in the West Coast of the United States.
Methods: Using semistructured key informant interviews, the authors conducted qualitative research between March and April 2008. Eleven hospitals and a representative from the community clinic association agreed to participate (86 percent response rate) and a total of 22 key informant interviews were completed. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti.v.5.0, a qualitative analytical software program.
Results: Although hospitals have infrastructure to respond in the event of a large-scale disaster, wellestablished disaster preparedness plans have not fully accounted for the needs of children. The general hospitals do not anticipate a surge of pediatric victims in the event of a disaster, and they expect that children will be transported to a children’s hospital as their conditions become stable.
Conclusions: Even hospitals with well-established disaster preparedness plans have not fully accounted for the needs of children during a disaster. Improved communication between disaster network hospitals is necessary as incorrect information still persists.
References
Markenson D, Redlener I: Pediatric preparedness for disasters and terrorism. A National Consensus Conference. NY: Columbia University, 2003: 1-45.
Nishikiori N, Abe T, Costa DG, et al.: Who died as a result of the tsunami? Risk factors of mortality among internally displaced persons in Sri Lanka: A retrospective cohort analysis. BMC Public Health. 2006; 6: 73.
Rofi A, Doocy S, Robinson C: Tsunami mortality and displacement in Aceh province, Indonesia. Disasters. 2006; 30: 340-350.
Szema AM, Khedkar M, Maloney PF, et al.: Clinical deterioration in pediatric asthmatic patients after September 11, 2001. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004; 113: 420-426.
Broughton DD, Allen EE, Hannemann RE, et al.: Getting 5000 families back together: Reuniting fractured families after a disaster: The role of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Pediatrics. 2006; 117(5 Part 3): S442-S445.
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations: Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals: The Official Handbook. Oakbrook Terrace, IL: Joint Commission Resources, 2007.
Kaji A, Freeman C: Disaster Pediatric Survey Results and Recommendations. Los Angeles, CA: Emergency Medical Services Authority, 2006.
Shirm S, Liggin R, Dick R, et al.: Prehospital preparedness for pediatric mass-casualty events. Pediatrics. 2007; 120: e756-e761.
Marshall MC: San Antonio Mental Health Disaster Consortium: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, A Personal Perspective. Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2007; 43: 15-21.
Gausche-Hill M, Schmitz C, Lewis RJ: Pediatric preparedness of US emergency departments: A 2003 survey. Pediatrics. 2007; 120: 1229-1237.
Kanter RK, Moran JR: Hospital emergency surge capacity: An empiric New York Statewide Study. Ann Emerg Med. 2007; 50: 314-319.
Middleton KR, Burt CW: Availability of pediatric services and equipment in emergency departments: United States, 2002-03. Adv Data. 2006; 367: 1-16.
Rassin M, Avraham M, Nasi-Bashari A, et al.: Emergency department staff preparedness for mass casualty events involving children. Disaster Manag Response. 2007; 5: 36-44.
Stallwood LG: Assessing emergency preparedness of families caring for young children with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2006; 11: 227-233.
Chokshi NK, Behar S, Nager AL, et al.: Disaster management among pediatric surgeons: Preparedness, training and involvement. Am J Disaster Med. 2008; 3: 5-14.
Martin SD, Bush AC, Lynch JA: A national survey of terrorism preparedness training among pediatric, family practice, and emergency medicine programs. Pediatrics. 2006; 118: e620-e626.
Seidel JS, Knapp JF: Pediatric emergencies in the office, hospital, and community: Organizing systems of care. Pediatrics. 2000; 106(2 Part 1): 337-338.
Kaji AH, Lewis RJ: Assessment of the reliability of the Johns Hopkins/Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Hospital Disaster Drill Evaluation Tool. Ann Emerg Med. 2007; 52: 204-210.
Markenson D, Reynolds S, Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Task Force on Terrorism: The pediatrician and disaster preparedness. Pediatrics. 2006; 117: 560-565.
Markenson D, Redlener I: Pediatric terrorism preparedness national guidelines and recommendations: Findings of an evidencedbased consensus process. Biosecur Bioterror. 2004; 2: 301-319.
Adini B, Goldberg A, Laor D, et al.: Assessing levels of hospital emergency preparedness. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2006; 21: 451-457.
Griffith JR, Knutzen SR, Alexander JA: Structural versus outcomes measures in hospitals: A comparison of Joint Commission and Medicare outcomes scores in hospitals. Qual Manag Health Care. 2002; 10: 29-38.
Aronson J: A pragmatic view of thematic analysis. The qualitative report [serial online], 1994: 2(1). Available at http://www. nova.edu/ssss/QR/BackIssues/QR2-1/aronson.html. Accessed July 21, 2008.
Ferrer RR, Ramirez M, Sauser K, et al.: Emergency drills and exercises in healthcare organizations: Assessment of pediatric population involvement using after-action reports. Am J Disaster Med. 2009; 4: 23-32.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright 2007-2023, Weston Medical Publishing, LLC
All Rights Reserved
