Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

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After reviewing the information provided in your assignments, how does this information relate to your current practice? Is there a disaster plan in place? If so, it is adequate to meet the needs of all the stakeholders involved? If not, what actions need to occur? Are all types of disasters addressed in this plan? If not, what is missing?Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

https://www.astho.org/Programs/Preparedness/

http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/science/planningtools.htm

http://www.redcross.org/get-help

http://www.marchofdimes.org/materials/Are-you-ready-for-hurricane-disasters-December-2014.pdf

Your initial posting should be 250 to 350 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.

Impact of Natural Disasters on Health Care Submitted by – Dalton Divakaran MS Health Care Management University of Texas at Dallas Index Introduction Types of Disasters Effects of Disaster on Economy Effect of Disaster on Health Care Organization * Sudden Influx * Damage to Facilities * Inadequately Prepared * Specialty Treatment Availability Effects on the Population * Immediate Health Impact * Long-Term Impacts Steps in Disaster Management * Mitigation * Preparedness * Response * Recovery Real Incident Study * Background: * Immediate Response Considerations: * Evacuation: * Special Immediate Concerns: * Recovery Process: * Facility Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay
This throws the health care’s schedule out of the ordinary routine. The facility may not be completely prepared for what comes next. Emergency preparedness plans improve the chances that the organization will be able to respond effectively in the event of a natural disaster, whatever said and done it is never a guarantee that when and what magnitude a calamity occurs. Specialty Treatment Availability * Some disasters are not common like the storms, earthquakes and tsunamis. Epidemic outbreaks of infectious disease are something which needs utmost care to stop them from spreading to the others. It is not just to take care of emergency relief but also to quickly and efficiently protect the rest of the population. It is more challenging when there is no existing vaccine or known treatment. At this instance the role of health care organizations becomes even more important. These organizations must work to treat the patients and protect themselves while labs attempt to figure out a way to stop the infection from spreading. Effects on the Population A population’s vulnerability to all types of disasters depends on demographic growth, settlement in unsafe areas, environmental degradation, the pace of urbanization, unplanned development and climate change. Poverty thrives due to lack of access to healthy and safe Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

This study focuses on the issues that should be addressed when preparing a disaster preparedness plan. In addition, it gives an insight to the information and processes involved in preparing the disaster preparedness plan. These include mitigation measures, preparedness, response and recovery. The study reveals some vital information that may be required when drafting the disaster preparedness plan for the health care industry.

Introduction
Natural disasters refer to those disasters that occur close to people structures and economic assets. They are caused by either geological, biological, hydrological conditions or through natural processes such as tsunami, earthquakes and landslides. Disaster preparedness is defined as the measures that are employed in order to reduce the effects of disasters (Maiden, Thompson & Paul, 2007). In addition, prediction is done to allow mitigation of the adverse impacts of the disasters to be carried out mainly in areas where populations are more susceptible to the effects of the catastrophe. Furthermore, for disaster preparedness to be carried out, varieties of resources need to be used. This could include logistics, training, healthcare or even organization development.
Disaster preparedness usually has a certain number of goals to accomplish. Firstly, disaster preparedness is aimed at increasing effectiveness and impact of emergency response at all levels be it at the community or national level. This is achieved through education of officials and populations at risk, establishment of regular warning systems and formulation of policies to be implemented after the disaster.
Moreover, disaster preparedness is also focused on empowering the affected communities or populations on how to deal with disasters. In addition, the community is educated on ways they can prepare for disasters through using available local mechanisms. Furthermore, disaster addresses common issues in communities ranging from health to social welfare. Activities on mitigating these issues are developed in the process.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

Discussion
In order to develop a disaster preparedness plan, an understanding of the disaster management cycle is essential. There are four phases involved in the disaster management cycle. These are mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

Mitigation (Phase I)
Mitigation encompasses those measures taken prior to the disaster to reduce its effect. These mitigation measures are either structural or non-structural. Structural measures include construction projects such as building dams for purposes of reducing social and economic impacts. Mitigation can also involve vulnerability analysis, reviewing of safety codes and building use regulations. A number of tools can be used to reduce the undesirable effects of natural disasters. These include economic diversification, hazard management and vulnerability reduction.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

Hazard Management and Vulnerability Analysis
Dealing with hazard management requires employing the best preventative strategy for the most likely situation. In addition, an understanding of the nature of the likely disaster is essential in determining the mitigation measures to adopt. Some of the most significant mitigation measures in the healthcare industry are use of advanced technology, which monitors the conditions of patients. Use of these technologies provides essential signals to the health practitioners who in the process can respond to attend to the patients immediately. In addition, these technologies require a substantial amount of investment to acquire and use (Veenema, 2007).
For the operations of these technologies in the hospitals, sufficient power is required. In case of any power outages, a backup generator should be provided. Vital patient information and insurance policies for the patients should be kept in a safe place. Furthermore, vulnerability assessment will assist largely in achieving the mitigation targets. For instance, use of alternative standard clinical procedures may help to save a patient life in unusual scenarios. However, lack of educating nurses on how to use the new technologies may result to disasters, which could have been easily controlled.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

Preparedness (Phase II)
Disaster preparedness involves preparation of plans and implementation of mitigation measures. Other activities involved in disaster preparedness include training of nurses and other crucial health care stakeholders on the best procedures to follow in case of a disaster (Karim & Jalal, 2011). In addition, rehearsal and appropriate disaster plans for disaster-specific scenarios should be formulated as in the case of war victims or bombing attacks (Seyedin, Ryan & Keshtgar, 2011). Furthermore, in situations where the disaster is a chemical or biological contamination, physical measures need to be put implemented to contain the situation (Ray, 2006). Health care institutions need to have an emergency operation plan that clearly outlines standard procedures. This should be used in case various disasters occur. CDC plays a pivotal role in public health preparedness for catastrophic because of its distinctive abilities to take action against infectious, occupational, or environmental outbreaks and events. (CDC, 2012).Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

Response and Recovery (Phase III and IV)
Response and recovery to a disaster is directed towards meeting the requirements of the people affected while further sustainable solutions are being sort. Response is aimed at providing the immediate help in order to maintain and preserve life. Response is mainly dome by humanitarian organizations such as Red Cross that offers medical care for the injured before other medical alternatives are available. In case of an accident, the paramedic who responds to the scene of the accident should be equipped to handle any complications and ensure that the victims arrive at the hospital in a stable condition. Incorporation of technologies such as cell phones and geospatial information system can help in response and recovery activities.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

Findings
Important information that may be essential in drafting the disaster preparedness plan includes responsibilities to be undertaken by the different personnel. In addition, the plan should take into account local healthcare structure and its functions during emergencies. Furthermore, the role of organizations such non-governmental and governmental that are responsible in the healthcare industry should be considered in the plan(Seyedin, Ryan & Keshtgar, 2011). Special measure to be used in conditions such as winter should be outlines in the plan.

Conclusion
Disaster preparedness and response largely depend on collecting, analysis and acting on time using accurate information before and after the disasters. Response to disasters is a key task for the health care industry (Gurman, Chhinzer & Smith, 2011). Having a disaster preparedness plan will assist in reducing the effects of disasters. In the process, this makes what would otherwise have been a more stressful experience more bearable.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

A disaster is an abrupt, tragic occurrence that extremely disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that go beyond the community’s or society’s capability to manage with its own resources. However, it often caused by nature, or human origins (IFRC, 2015). Disaster happens in several ways such as floods, explosions, wind, and extreme range of environmental temperatures, fire, epidemics, multiple car crashes with many casualties, school shootings, and environmental contamination from chemical agents and/or bioterrorism (Maurer, 2013). The need for awareness of emergency preparedness to the American s and other nations’ community is very important. 2010 Haiti earthquake…show more content…
Both the individuals, families and the communities as a whole should be educate on how to prepare and have a disaster plan. It is important for every organization to prepare for any disaster occurrence and every staff should have the knowledge the plan. All nurses should endeavor to volunteer in any of the organizations involves in disasters management. Primary prevention falls under the phase one of disaster management which is the phase prior to the disaster. The need for nursing assessment is very important, with the notification systems, and sending out of health personnel and resources to the areas to reduce the level of morbidity and mortality during the disaster event is part of phase one of disaster management. For this reason, nurses can commence education with the community and society as a whole about planning evacuation procedures (Maurer & Smith, 2012). Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay Education is very important in whatever one does in life, which will help to initiate safety when it is needed. For example, education on safe and proper practices such as hands washing, personal hygiene, food hygiene, helping to clean and avoiding contaminated food and water, and to seek for medical help when necessary to prevent communicable diseases is very important. Basic communication practices should also be used to building trust, listening, developing goals, staying…show more content…
Education on importance of keeping the site of wound clean, raising the limbs which depend on the site of the amputation, and strategies to observe for neurovascular complications should be emphasize. The recovery phase commences and carries on until the public is able to yield to its pre-disaster state or normal routine. This is a long rehabilitation process that encompasses of dealing with grief of the loved ones, deal with change and coping with situation. At this stage, nurses need to utilize resources for counseling and restorative.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

Due to constantly evolving threats and the complex nature of emergency management, it is critical that healthcare executives ensure their organization develops an all-hazards emergency management program and plan relevant to their location and type of organization.

Hospitals and other healthcare delivery organizations must be prepared to care for those in need of medical services and, to the extent possible, protect staff and patients from being exposed to any further risk. The organization’s emergency operations plan should recognize that a healthcare organization may be directly impacted by a disaster and still continue to operate and receive victims of the event. Such disasters include incidents of terrorism and natural occurrences such as hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes or epidemics/pandemics.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

It is vitally important that healthcare organizations develop an emergency management program to support the development and maintenance of critical emergency operations components such as the emergency operations plan, training and exercises, and collaborative relationships. Healthcare organizations must monitor and update their emergency operations plans on an ongoing basis, maintaining a constant state of preparedness to ensure appropriate response and recovery within the shortest possible time frames. Without proper planning, an incident involving the organization may result in either a temporary or permanent failure, thus disabling a crucial community resource. The emergency operations plan also should be fully integrated with that of other organizations and appropriate agencies at the local, state, regional and national levels. This is particularly important in situations such as a pandemic that may simultaneously impact large geographic areas for several months and disrupt national and international supply chains.

Policy Position
The American College of Healthcare Executives believes healthcare executives should actively participate in disaster planning and preparedness activities, striving to ensure that their emergency operations plan fits within overall community plans and represents a responsible approach to the risks an organization might face. Chief executive officers should lead efforts to ensure that the plan is comprehensive, including establishing board policy that delineates the organization’s responsibilities and procedures to be followed. Healthcare executives also have a unique opportunity to help educate the community about infectious disease prevention and control efforts that may mitigate large-scale death during events such as a pandemic.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay

In developing a comprehensive emergency operations plan, ACHE encourages healthcare executives to pursue the following actions on an ongoing basis:

Maintain a Relevant/Current Emergency/Disaster Plan: Establish a process to understand and stay current regarding applicable state and national standards for emergency preparedness, including the National Response Framework (http://www.fema.gov/national-planning-frameworks) and the Hospital Preparedness Program (http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/hpp/Pages/default.aspx). In addition to changes in standards, the organization’s emergency/disaster plan should be updated based on actual disasters or drills. Healthcare executives should also participate in training and educational programs to stay abreast of evolving disaster management systems. Organizations must keep up to date with local, state and federal regulations, including those dictated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Focus the Plan to Address the Most Likely Scenarios: Adopt an all-hazards framework to analyze the operational issues that would arise in relevant emergency situations to cover applicable responses to a natural disaster as well as potential CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) emergencies and sustained events such as a pandemic influenza.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay
Develop an Incident Command System: Adopt an incident command system and support the integration of a nationwide standardized approach to incident management and response (e.g., National Incident Management System). Ensure frequent and consistent training and drilling on the activation and implementation of the incident command system. Secure satellite telephones as part of standard preparedness equipment.
Assess Resource Availability: Coordinate and integrate organizational resources to address a full spectrum of actions (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery), and ensure that the organization has the appropriate programs, trained and credentialed staff, staff personal protective equipment, and other supplies and equipment in place to quickly respond to events that their organization might face, as identified by the organization’s all-hazards analysis. Include a determination of the impact on hospital services of a scenario that requires maximum surge capacity.
Plan for Continuity of Operations: Ensure that the hospital can be self-sustaining for at least 96 hours and that plans are in place for obtaining critical resources such as medications, oxygen, food, water, electricity, fuel for electric generators, and just-in-time supplies that may not be available due to the emergency. Maintain an updated roster of a multidisciplinary team available to stay at the facility for the first 72 hours of the emergency. Communicate in advance with local utilities, telecommunications, transportation companies and other essential vendors to plan for uninterrupted or redundant services to support continuity.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay
Develop Protocols to Ensure Appropriate Resource Allocation: Ensure that services are provided equitably and impartially, consistent with ethical and legal standards relevant in a mass casualty event and based upon the vulnerability and needs of the individuals and communities affected by a disaster. To mitigate or manage surge to hospital emergency departments, include in the pre-planning process any providers or agencies with expertise serving vulnerable populations in the community, particularly individuals with disabilities, serious chronic conditions and needs (e.g., dialysis or ventilator-dependent, seriously mentally ill), low-English proficiency, or access and functional needs.
Address the Safety of Employees/Patients/Families: Develop policies and processes to ensure that all reasonable efforts are made to protect employees, patients and families, as well as facilities, while maintaining quality patient care to the best of the organization’s ability during a crisis. Include plans to mitigate the impact on staffing of likely scenarios such as schools closing, public transportation closing, roads closing, damage to bridges, tunnels and other access points, and patients presenting with contagious/potentially lethal illnesses. Ensure that staff members receive education that allows them to make informed decisions and to understand what the organization is doing to protect them and their families. Some types of emergencies can be traumatizing for patients, their families and staff; incorporate disaster mental health services in the planning process to address needs that emerge during response and over prolonged recovery periods.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay
Design Appropriate Communication and Coordination Protocols for Both Internal and External Audiences: Forge and maintain strong relationships and ensure active involvement in interagency planning efforts with all relevant organizations. Develop an integrated communication plan and communitywide exercises and drills to assess effectiveness and implement improvements.
Enhance Disease Surveillance and Reporting: Enhance clinician awareness of events, signs, symptoms or diseases that may require reporting or activation of an emergency operations plan.
As a critical component of a community’s infrastructure, healthcare organizations should require proper planning for all-hazards events they may face. Healthcare executives should be active leaders in that planning and the creation of systems and processes to ensure that the emergency operations plan can be effectively and efficiently executed if ever needed.Disaster Planning In Healthcare Organization Essay