A Module-Based Approach
Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies
Tools and Models for Planning and Preparedness
Hospitals must be prepared to respond to natural and manmade mass casualty
incidents that may cause sudden demand on services. One of the foci of hospital
disaster planning has been the use of drills to train employees in and to test
aspects of hospital response. This tool makes it possible to evaluate hospital
disaster drills by using evaluation modules and addenda. The value of this approach
is to identify specific weaknesses for improvement and to promote continuing
efforts to strengthen hospital disaster preparedness.
Select to Download the Tool.
Background
The Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based
Practice Center (EPC) used sources from both the literature and current
practice when designing the evaluation modules and associated addenda. The evaluation
modules and addenda were designed to facilitate assessment of disaster response
activity through documentation by trained observers in identifiable functional
and geographic zones. The EPC pilot tested the modules in two multihospital
regional disaster drills in the summer of 2003.
The evaluation approach includes modules for assessing the incident command, decontamination, triage, and treatment zones during a hospital disaster drill. The zone modules have items on time points, zone description, personnel, zone operations, communications, information flow, security, victim documentation and tracking, victim flow, personal protective equipment and safety, equipment and supplies, rotation of staff, and zone disruption. The approach also includes a module for pre-drill assessment, a module for debriefing, and addenda for biological incidents, radiation incidents, general observation and documentation, and victim tracking.
This document provides detailed instructions on how to use the modules and addenda when planning and executing the evaluation of hospital disaster drills. It also includes a spreadsheet designed to help hospitals compile responses from the modules and compare data.
Availability of Full Report
This tool was prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
(AHRQ) by the Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center under
Contract No. 290-02-0018. Printed copies may be obtained free of charge from
the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295. Requesters should
ask for Evaluation of Hospital Disaster Drills: A Module-Based Approach
(AHRQ Publication No. 04-0032).
Download Information
Evaluation of Hospital Disaster Drills: A Module-Based Approach
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Technical Assistance
For technical assistance, please E-mail us at info@ahrq.gov.
More Information
If you have any questions
about AHRQ's bioterrorism and health system preparedness program, contact:
Dr. Sally Phillips
Director, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program
Center for Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships
Phone: (301) 427-1571
E-mail: Sally.Phillips@ahrq.hhs.gov
Current as of April 2004
Internet Citation:
Evaluation of Hospital Disaster Drills: A Module-Based Approach. April 2004. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/hospdrills/hospdrill.htm
540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850