Leadership and hospital preparedness: disaster management and emergency services in pediatrics.
BACKGROUND
: The purpose of this article is to describe the role of leadership in hospital preparedness in addressing the needs of pediatric patients in times of disaster and emergency.


METHODS
: Descriptive article was derived from conference presentation of current practice by health care leaders.


RESULTS
: Leadership is critical in emergency preparedness. Hospitals and other health care providers should consider special needs of pediatric patients in their planning, preparation, practice, and partnerships.


CONCLUSIONS
: Using a combination of regional, systems, and hospital approaches will yield more effective responses to disaster events.
Gamble
Mark S
MS
Hospital Association of Southern California , Los Angeles, California, USA.
Hanners
Rodney B
RB
Lackey
Connie
C
Beaudin
Christy L
CL
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006295:Health Resources / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership