From silos to coalitions: The evolution of the US Hospital Preparedness Program

Authors

  • Sharon Medcalf, PhD
  • Shreya Roy, MS, PhD Student
  • Sarbinaz Bekmuratova, PhD
  • Wael ElRayes, MBBCh, PhD, FACHE
  • Harlan Sayles, MS
  • Jonathon Gruba, MS
  • Ronald Shope, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2020.0459

Keywords:

hospital emergency preparedness, United States, federal funding, hospital preparedness program, hospital leadership, business case

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to trace the hospital emergency preparedness movement in the United States, strengthen the case for hospital investments in emergency preparedness, and make recommendations to ensure sustainability of the program.  

Design/Approach: This article is a narrative review. Main themes from the literature about the US Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) are discussed, beginning with the trends in funding levels of the HPP, the rise of regional healthcare coalitions, preparedness performance measures, and the challenges faced over the past 15 years of HPP activities. Finally, recommendations are made about ways to sustain the program.

Findings: The HPP was established in 2002 and funding for the program has seen a 56 percent decrease over the last 16 years. Beyond the initial investment in supplies and equipment, hospitals have received very little of the healthcare preparedness funding.

Disaster drills and exercises to test emergency plans in hospitals are perceived as a costly distraction from daily work. The biggest challenge is the lack of engagement and support from hospital leadership.

Conclusions: To ensure the sustainability of the HPP, the positive impact of preparedness activities on the hospital’s day-to-day operations must be demonstrated.

Author Biographies

Sharon Medcalf, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology; Director, Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Shreya Roy, MS, PhD Student

PhD Student/Graduate Assistant, Department of Health Services Research and Administration, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Sarbinaz Bekmuratova, PhD

Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Bio Information Center, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska

Wael ElRayes, MBBCh, PhD, FACHE

Program Manager, Global Center for Health Security; Faculty, Department of Health Services Research & Administration, Center for Biosecurity, Biopreparedness, and Emerging Infectious Diseases, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Harlan Sayles, MS

Statistician III, Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Omaha, Nebraska

Jonathon Gruba, MS

Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals, Omaha, Nebraska

Ronald Shope, PhD

Education Researcher, Interprofessional Academy of Educators; Associate Professor, College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Social & Behavioral Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

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Published

03/01/2020

How to Cite

Medcalf, PhD, S., S. Roy, MS, PhD Student, S. Bekmuratova, PhD, W. ElRayes, MBBCh, PhD, FACHE, H. Sayles, MS, J. Gruba, MS, and R. Shope, PhD. “From Silos to Coalitions: The Evolution of the US Hospital Preparedness Program”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 18, no. 2, Mar. 2020, pp. 163-9, doi:10.5055/jem.2020.0459.