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

Abstract

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.