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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Original research

Assessment of disaster preparedness among emergency departments in Italian hospitals: a cautious warning for disaster risk reduction and management capacity

Authors: Matteo Paganini, Francesco Borrelli, Jonathan Cattani, Luca Ragazzoni, Ahmadreza Djalali, Luca Carenzo, Francesco Della Corte, Frederick M. Jr. Burkle, Pier Luigi Ingrassia

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Study hypothesis

Since the 1990s, Italian hospitals are required to comply with emergency disaster plans known as Emergency Plan for Massive Influx of Casualties. While various studies reveal that hospitals overall suffer from an insufficient preparedness level, the aim of this study was to better determine the preparedness level of Emergency Departments of Italian hospitals by assessing the knowledge-base of emergency physicians regarding basic disaster planning and procedures.

Methods

A prospective observational study utilized a convenience sample of Italian Emergency Departments identified from the Italian Ministry of Health website. Anonymous telephone interviews were conducted of medical consultants in charge at the time in the respective Emergency Departments, and were structured in 3 parts: (1) general data and demographics, (2) the current disaster plan and (3) protocols and actions of the disaster plan.

Results

Eighty-five Emergency Departments met inclusion criteria, and 69 (81 %) agreed to undergo the interview. Only 45 % of participants declared to know what an Emergency Plan for Massive Influx of Casualties is, 41 % believed to know who has the authority to activate the plan, 38 % knew who is in charge of intra-hospital operations. In Part 3 physicians revealed a worrisome inconsistency in critical content knowledge of their answers.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate a poor knowledge-base of basic hospital disaster planning concepts by Italian Emergency Department physicians-on-duty. These findings should alert authorities to enhance staff disaster preparedness education, training and follow-up to ensure that these plans are known to all who have responsibility for disaster risk reduction and management capacity.

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Title: Assessment of disaster preparedness among emergency departments in Italian hospitals: a cautious warning for disaster risk reduction and management capacity
Authors: Matteo Paganini
Francesco Borrelli
Jonathan Cattani
Luca Ragazzoni
Ahmadreza Djalali
Luca Carenzo
Francesco Della Corte
Frederick M. Jr. Burkle
Pier Luigi Ingrassia
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1757-7241
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-016-0292-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assessment of disaster preparedness among emergency departments in Italian hospitals: a cautious warning for disaster risk reduction and management capacity

Abstract

Study hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Study hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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