Field hospital site selection criteria: a Delphi consensus study. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moradian, Mohammad Javad; Ardalan, Ali; Nejati, Amir; Boloorani, Ali Darvishi; Akbarisari, Ali; Rastegarfar, Behnaz
• Is Part Of: International journal of emergency management. Volume 14:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 377
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Delphi method -- disaster management -- field hospital -- site selection; Emergency management -- Periodicals; 658.47705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4825

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to survey systematically experts' opinion on field hospital site selection (FHSS) criteria in order to identify optimum locations for stockpiling them in preparedness phase of disaster management. Design: A Delphi consensus technique, directed by a systematic review of the published articles on the permanent hospitals site selection, is adapted. Results: A preliminary list of 40 criteria, obtained from a systematic review, was prepared. In the next stage, through expert panel review, only 15 criteria were considered appropriate for the FHSS. Thereafter, a panel of 44 experts consented to participate. In total, out of 15 generated statements, eight statements gained consensus in round 3. Conclusion: The application of 'expert Delphi technique' resulted in consensus in listing the main criteria for FHSS. The list would help policymakers to allocate optimum sites for maintaining FHs: thus increasing their efficacy.