The Effects of Implementing and Activating the Early Warning System on the Preparedness of Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital (RH) in Disasters and Incidents

Abstract

Background: Iran as a developing country is located in the most accident- and disaster-prone\rgeographical areas, and considered among the 10 most disaster-stricken countries in the world.\rTherefore, healthcare system should be able to deliver a coordinated response in disasters and\reffectively propose and execute plans to reduce the adverse effects and response time, and also\rincrease preparadness before disasters. Establishing early warning systems before incidents\rand disasters in hospitals can properly organize the resources and equipment in order to deliver\rbetter and more effective services to more people in need.\rMaterials and Methods: The research was conducted at Imam Khomeini Hospital (RH), Sari,\rIran, in 2016. The study was done through several meetings with some professors of Health\rin Disasters and members of Disaster Risk Management Committee at incidents to execute\rearly warning systems according to Disaster Preparedness Country program in hospitals. The\rhospital preparedness in various components was evaluated by the World Health Organization\rstandard checklist, before the intervention and then 1 month and 3 months after the intervention.\rThe obtained data were analysed by Friedman statistical test.\rResults: The results showed 52 points increase in the preparedness of the hospital after the\rintervention, which indicated a significant increase in the hospital preparedness in disasters and\rincidents from poor level to moderate level.\rConclusion: Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital (RH), was at poor level with regard to preparedness\rin disasters. However, the significant increase in preparedness after executing early warning\rsystem indicates the necessity of developing and implementing this system in other hospitals\rto increase their level of preparedness.