Healthcare emergency planning and management to major hazards in the UK. (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Achour, Nebil; Pascale, Federica; Soetanto, Robby; Price, Andrew D.F.
• Is Part Of: International journal of emergency management. Volume 11:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 19
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: healthcare emergency planning -- healthcare emergency management -- UK -- United Kingdom -- major hazards -- major emergencies -- infrastructure -- effectiveness optimisation -- efficiency optimisation -- multi-agency collaboration -- resource integration -- independent experts -- vulnerabilities -- risk assessment -- healthcare management -- healthcare planning -- IT systems -- information technology; Emergency management -- Periodicals; 658.47705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4825

Abstract

This study aims to examine the challenges and opportunities UK healthcare emergency planners and responders have to cope with major hazards. The study followed a qualitative research methodology where data was collected from a comprehensive literature review, an international workshop and interviews. The findings established that the UK healthcare emergency planning process needs to: consider the integration of soft and hard resources in planning; involve independent experts for further support; and use IT systems innovatively to develop a comprehensive emergency model, predict vulnerabilities and optimise effectiveness and efficiency. The major recommendations are to: identify and evaluate risks more accurately; enhance opportunities and reduce risks associated with multiagency approaches; ensure that soft and hard resources are well integrated in planning; involve and integrate more with independent parties such as academia for extra support; and innovatively use IT systems to develop a comprehensive emergency model, predict vulnerabilities and optimise operability.