Continued vigilance - development of an online evaluation tool for assessing preparedness of medical facilities for biological events.
OBJECTIVE
Effective response to biological events necessitates ongoing evaluation of preparedness. This study was a bilateral German-Israeli collaboration aimed at developing an evaluation tool for assessing preparedness of medical facilities for biological events.


METHODS
Measurable parameters were identified through a literature review for inclusion in the evaluation tool and disseminated to 228 content experts in two modified Delphi cycles. Focus groups were conducted to identify psychosocial needs of the medical teams. Table-top and functional exercises were implemented to review applicability of the tool.


RESULTS
One hundred seventeen experts from Germany and Israel participated in the modified Delphi. Out of 188 parameters that were identified, 183 achieved a consensus of >75% of the content experts. Following comments recommended in the Delphi cycles, and feedback from focus groups and hospital exercises, the final tool consisted of 172 parameters. Median level of importance of each parameter was calculated based on ranking recommended in the Delphi process. Computerized web-based software was developed to calculate scores of preparedness for biological events.


CONCLUSIONS
Ongoing evaluation means, such as the tool developed in the study, can facilitate the need for a valid and reliable mechanism that may be widely adopted and implemented as quality assurance measures. The tool is based on measurable parameters and indicators that can effectively present strengths and weaknesses in managing a response to a public health threat, and accordingly, steps can be implemented to improve readiness. Adoption of such a tool is an important component of assuring public health and effective emergency management.
Prepared Research Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Beer Sheva , Israel ; Ministry of Health , Tel Aviv , Israel.
Bruria
B
Adini
Robert Koch Institute , Berlin , Germany.
Luzie
L
Verbeek
Robert Koch Institute , Berlin , Germany.
Susanna
S
Trapp
Municipal Hospitals , Mönchengladbach , Germany.
Stefan
S
Schilling
Robert Koch Institute , Berlin , Germany.
Julia
J
Sasse
Health Protection Authority , Frankfurt , Germany.
Kathrin
K
Pientka
Health Protection Authority , Frankfurt , Germany.
Boris
B
Böddinghaus
Robert Koch Institute , Berlin , Germany.
Helene
H
Schaefer
CSO GmbH Software Solutions , Pforzheim , Germany.
Jörg
J
Schempf
University Hospital Goethe-University , Frankfurt , Germany.
Reinhard
R
Brodt
University Hospital Goethe-University , Frankfurt , Germany.
Christian
C
Wegner
Ministry of Health , Tel Aviv , Israel.
Boaz
B
Lev
Ministry of Health , Tel Aviv , Israel.
Daniel
D
Laor
Health Protection Authority , Frankfurt , Germany.
Rene
R
Gottschalk
Robert Koch Institute , Berlin , Germany.
Walter
W
Biederbick
biological event; disaster management; evaluation of emergency preparedness; measurable indicators; standard operating procedures