Realities of disaster preparedness in rural hospitals.
Disaster preparedness has always been an area of major concern for the medical community, but recent world events have prompted an increased interest. The health care system must respond to disasters of all types, whether the incidents occur in urban or rural settings. Although the barriers and challenges are different in the rural setting, common areas of preparedness must be explored. This study examines the experiences of rural hospital emergency departments with threat preparedness. Data were gathered through a nationwide survey to describe emergency department experience with specific incidents, as well as the frequency of occurrence of these events. Expanding surge capacity of hospitals and developing a community-wide response to natural or human-made incidents is crucial in mitigating long-term effects on the health care system. Analysis of preparedness activities will help identify common themes to better prioritize preparedness activities and maximize a hospital's response capabilities.
Manley
William G
WG
West Virginia University Hospitals, Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center, Morgantown, WV 26506-8229, USA. manleyw@wvuh.com
Furbee
Paul M
PM
Coben
Jeffery H
JH
Smyth
Sharon K
SK
Summers
Daniel E
DE
Althouse
Ronald C
RC
Kimble
Rodney L
RL
Kocsis
Aaron T
AT
Helmkamp
James C
JC
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003256:Community Participation; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006292:Health Priorities; D006302:Health Services Research; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000600:supply & distribution; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D023481:Terrorism; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States