Comparative descriptive analysis of hospital disaster preparedness using WHO safety index: a multi-center study from Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital disaster preparedness is crucial for maintaining healthcare delivery during emergencies, yet significant gaps persist in developing nations. This study evaluated disaster preparedness levels across thirteen tertiary care hospitals in Eastern India using the World Health Organization (WHO) Hospital Safety Index framework. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in thirteen tertiary care hospitals (400–550 beds each) in Khordha District, Odisha, during January 2020–December 2023. Assessment utilized Module-4 of the WHO Safe Hospital Checklist, comprising seven sub-modules and 40 evaluation criteria. Data collection involved direct observation, document review, and semi-structured interviews. A three-tier scoring system (0–2.5 points) was employed to calculate safety indices. Results: Overall safety indices ranged from 0.412 to 0.782, with significant inter-hospital variations. Four hospitals demonstrated high preparedness (indices > 0.66), while three hospitals showed critical deficiencies (indices < 0.45). Logistics and finance management showed uniform high preparedness (8.75/10) across all facilities. Major gaps were identified in emergency response planning, with the lowest mean score (4.60) and highest variability (CV = 67.2%). Communication systems and evacuation protocols showed considerable variation (scores ranging 1.25–7.5/10). Conclusion: The study reveals substantial disparities in disaster preparedness among regional tertiary care facilities. While some hospitals demonstrate robust emergency management systems, others require significant improvements. Findings suggest the need for standardized protocols, regular assessment, and knowledge sharing between institutions to enhance regional healthcare disaster resilience. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.