Hospital Disaster Response Using Business Impact Analysis

Abstract

This is the first study to identify and prioritize hospital operations necessary for the efficient continuation of medical treatment during suspension of the water supply by applying a BIA. Understanding the priority of operations and the minimum daily water requirement for each operation is important for a hospital in the event of an unexpected adverse situation, such as a major disaster.

Water supply emergency preparedness and response in health care facilities: A systematic review on international evidence

“…The installment of on-site water storage tanks as a preparedness measure was described in six studies, among which more than half were conducted in Japan in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake disaster ( 29 , 34 , 39 , 47 ). Results from one study conducted in 134 disaster-based hospitals in the capital area of Japan show an average water tank capacity of 8.32 l/m2, providing hospitals with water for approximately one day, if planned accordingly, in case of an emergency ( 29 ).…”

“…In a study conducted in Miyagi Prefecture, the majority of the 14 disaster-based hospitals had water storage capacity of less than a day, highlighting the need for a clear water allocation plan ( 34 ). In large Japanese university facilities (650–800 beds), a large water tank of 700 m3 and dual water tanks of 160 m3 each, respectively, would allow to supply for approximately one day based on an approximate daily consumption of 500–600 m3 on peak weekdays ( 39 , 47 ). Results from a survey conducted in 54 major health care facilities (i.e., hospitals, health centers and health posts) in the Greek Islands show that more than two third (70%) of facilities had a backup water tank available, among which half of the hospitals reported having reserve of water for three or more days ( 15 ).…”

“…Studies conducted in the United States highlighted the value of the EWSP standards to help health care facilities prepare, respond, and recover from a total or partial interruption of the facility's normal water supply ( 21 , 42 , 44 ). Studies from outside the United States, however, bring up a more skeptical perspective on the relevance of the EWSP ( 18 , 47 ). For example, a study conducted in Japan broaches that the EWSP does not assign priority to operations or estimate daily water consumption in a fully operating hospital ( 47 ).…”

Hospitals preparedness using WHO guideline: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Hospitals across countries increasingly understand their role in emergency Hospitals preparedness using WHO guideline: A systematic review and meta-analysis preparedness to improve the capability and capacity before a major incident. [1][2][3] Disaster impact on health sectors causes secondary disaster as a result of damages to the health facilities. Hospital failure to withstand also creates huge impacts on the health system due to collapse of health services, delay in the treatment of trauma injuries, collapse of emergency functions, and obstruction of ongoing public health and sanitation campaigns.…”

“…Hospitals across countries increasingly understand their role in emergency preparedness to improve the capability and capacity before a major incident. 1–3…”