A national study of in-hospital preparedness for Mass Casualty Incidents and disasters

Abstract

Purpose: The current geopolitical situation and climate changes accentuate the importance of health preparedness. The aim was to examine the in-hospital preparedness for Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) and Major Incidents (MI) on a national level. Method: A web-based, cross-sectional study of in-hospital preparedness for MCI/MI in Norway. All hospitals with trauma function were included with 3 defined representatives, excluding hospitals without trauma function. The survey consisted of 63 questions covering: MCI/MI organisation, education, plans, Surge Capacity, triage and supply management. Results: The study had a response rate of 97/112 (87%), representing 35/38 (92%) of the included hospitals. Contingency responsible respondents (CRR) reported that 27/34 (80%) of the hospitals had a contingency responsible function/role and 29/34 (85%) had a Disaster Preparedness Committee. Among CRR, formal MCI/MI education 5/34 (15%) and MCI/MI training 9/34 (26%) was completed. Further, 87/97 (90%) had an all-hazard contingency plan. MCI/MI exercise within the last 2 years was reported by 63/97 (65%). Surge Capacity was assessed within the last 5 years at 6/35 (17%) of the hospitals. MCI/MI material storage was reported by 56/97 (58%). Conclusion: Many key aspects of contingency work were found to be well-established. MCI/MI education and training for roles/functions was missing in most hospitals. Areas of improvement detected included Surge Capacity and emergency storage. The results suggest a need for national minimum standards and requirements. National in-hospital MCI/MI preparedness could be monitored by a web-based survey, providing information of pan-European relevance.