WHO Regional Office for Europe - Health Systems Crisis Preparedness Assessment Tool Bayer CP, Rockenschaub G.

Health crises are often unpredictable and may occur at any place or time. Communities are particularly vulnerable when local and national systems, specifically health systems, are unable to cope with the consequences of a crisis, usually because they are overwhelmed by a sudden increase in demand or because the institutions that underpin them are fragile and cannot deliver what is required. The World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Health System Crisis Preparedness Assessment Tool aims to provide guidance to ministries of health and other relevant authorities on evaluation and strengthening of their health system's capacities for crisis management.

Based on an all hazard approach, an assessment tool was developed which comprises essential attributes considered vital for countries to meet the challenges of future health crises. The foundation of the tool derived from expert consultation workshops and pilot testing in eight countries in the WHO European Region.

The tool lists essential attributes with respective indicators crucial for evaluating and identifying gaps in health system crisis preparedness. The assessment tool is structured according to the six building blocks of the WHO health system framework and is complemented by a user manual, allowing countries to apply a self–assessment approach. The tool is intended for use by ministries of health or other relevant institutions.

The tool may help determine the current status of health system crisis preparedness and facilitate the development of a prioritized plan of action that addresses any gaps identified. When used regularly the tool will help monitor progress.