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Recent hospital fire incidents in South Korea have heightened the importance of patient evacuation. Moving patients from an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department (ED) setting is a challenge due to the complexity of moving acutely unwell patients who are reliant on invasive monitoring and organ support. Despite the importance of patient evacuation, the readiness of ICU and ED for urgent evacuation has not been assessed.
Aim:
To enhance the readiness and competencies of workers from ICU and ED in the evacuation of patients during a simulated tabletop fire exercise.
Methods:
A tabletop simulation exercise was developed by the Center for Disaster Relief, Training, and Research referencing the fire evacuation manual developed by the hospital’s ICU and ED. The scenario consisted of evacuating patients horizontally and vertically from each department. The participants’ actions were assessed using a checklist. A debriefing was completed after the exercise to discuss the gaps observed. A post-survey questionnaire was used to evaluate the exercise and assess the perception changes of the participants. All pre-to-post differences within subjects were analyzed with paired t-tests.
Results:
A total of 22 and 29 people participated in the exercise from ICU and ED, respectively. Knowledge and confidence improved post-exercise for both ICU and ED scenarios (p<0.05). Course satisfaction was 7.9 and 8.7, respectively for ICU and ED exercise. Correct performance rates for ICU and ED were 59% and 58%, respectively. Common gaps noted for both ICU and ED were wearing protective masks, patient hand-over communication, and preparation for resources.
Discussion:
There need to be exercises to recognize system gaps in place for hospital fire evacuation preparedness. Tabletop simulation exercises are ideal tools for this purpose. Although this was a short 90-minute exercise, this increased familiarity with the evacuation plan, tested the plan, and allowed for identification of gaps.
World events continue to compel hospitals to have agile and scalable response arrangements for managing natural and instigated disasters. While many hospitals have disaster plans, few exercise these plans or test their staff under realistic scenarios.
Aim:
This study explores changes in perceived preparedness of multidisciplinary hospital-wide teams to manage mass casualty incidents.
Methods:
Two Emergo Train System (ETS) mass casualty exercises involving 80 and 86 “victims,” respectively, were run at two southeast Queensland hospitals: one large teaching hospital and one smaller regional hospital. Pre- and post-exercise surveys were administered, capturing participants’ confidence, skills, and process knowledge anonymously on 5-point Likert scales. A waiver of ethics review was obtained. Changes in individuals’ pre- and post-scores were analyzed using paired t-tests. Open-ended questions and a “hot debrief” occurring immediately post-exercise allowed for capture of improvement ideas.
Results:
Nearly 200 unique healthcare staff (n=193) participated in one exercise. At least one survey was returned by 159 staff (82.4%). Pre- and post- surveys were available for 89 staff; two-thirds (n=59) were nurses or doctors, and 46% overall were emergency department clinicians. Ninety-seven percent reported the exercise was valuable, also recommending additional simulations. Analysis of the 89 matched-pairs showed significant (p<.001) increases in self-confidence, skills, and knowledge (point increases on a five-point Likert scale (95% confidence intervals): 0.8 (0.6-0.9) for confidence and 0.4 (0.2-0.5) for both skills and knowledge. The exercise was critically appraised and a summary of operational learnings was developed. The most common criticism of ETS was its lack of real patients.
Discussion:
Involvement in simulated exercises (e.g. ETS) can increase confidence, knowledge, and skills of staff to manage disasters, with the biggest improvement in confidence. Whilst validating and testing plans, simulations can also uncover opportunities to improve processes and systems.
In 2013, a multinational collaboration met to improve the global and nation-specific preparedness and response in managing casualties from nuclear and radiological disasters. From this meeting, a survey was developed and distributed in both Japanese and English. The results published four years later illustrate a lack of understanding about radiation and risks to the health care provider.
Aim:
To dispel myths and increase understanding regarding trauma treatment and healthcare risks for healthcare providers during a radiologic event.
Methods:
IRB approved survey and literature review
Results:
A total of 418 surveys were analyzed. Although 44% of participants acknowledged that they had taken at least one radiological training course, the majority of the respondents were still not comfortable with radiological emergencies.
Discussion:
Despite the plethora of both online and in-person radiological training availability, healthcare providers are not comfortable with the topic. Based on information from the survey, it is important to dispel myths and educate healthcare providers so that they have reasonable expectations regarding risks and to ensure that they are comfortable coming to work. By doing this, there will be an adequate healthcare presence to help take care of patients who are not only in need of immediate trauma and radiologic exposure care but also with non-affected patients coming for emergent and scheduled health care needs.
Salmonellae are gram-negative motile bacilli. The transmission of salmonellae to a susceptible host usually occurs from the consumption of contaminated foods. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, but can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Aim:
Describe a hospital kitchen based mass foodborne infection.
Methods:
Descriptive analysis of the foodborne infection event.
Results:
310 health personnel were contaminated from lunch that was cooked at our hospital kitchen. On that day 70 patients came to the emergency department for complaints of vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. During the next two days, we canceled all planned surgical operations. At the second day, we followed 80 patients and third day 150 patients came to our emergency services. Our emergency services and ıntensive care units were blocked because of personnel illness. We examined all patients, got blood tests and stool stains and cultures. Because of this mass casualty contamination, our infection control committee gave formal information that suspicious of Salmonellosis. 13 of 310 infected health personnel were hospitalized. They got intravenous saline and electrolytes support like calcium and potassium. After two days we got Results of stool cultures, there was inoculation of Salmonella types. None of them died.
Discussion:
We realized that we are not ready for mass casualty incidents like this contamination. Because our patient flow was really blocked. We had to call in new doctors and nurses from different hospital staffs. The event was similar to bioterrorism conditions and we suddenly have to put in place hospital disaster plans at the beginning of decontamination. This situation made us to recognize bioterrorism agents like Salmonella types. We have to raise awareness of the community about chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents attacks.
Mass gatherings are growing in frequency. Religious, or in this case, “mass” mass gatherings are also growing in complexity, requiring considerable effort from nations hosting a Papal Mass. Ireland hosted a papal mass in 1979 when the prospect of terrorism at such events was significantly lower. Large high-profile events such as a Papal Mass offer a platform via the media and social media to gain widespread coverage of adverse events. In 2018, a predicted 500,000 guests were scheduled to attend a Papal Mass gathering in Phoenix Park, Dublin, a bounded 1,700-hectare park in the center of Dublin.
Aim:
To develop a medical plan estimating numbers of people requiring medical attention at a Papal Mass held in Ireland late August 2018, and compare same with actual numbers treated post-event. This study aims to reduce the medical impact of such an event on local receiving hospitals through plans that effectively manage medical- and trauma-related presentations on site.
Methods:
A literature review of medical reports regarding medical care at Papal Mass gatherings worldwide found a range of predicted medical attendance from 21-61 per 10,000 attendees. On that basis we had prepared on-site facilities, facilities on travel routes and access point system for medical care for a crowd of 500,000 were selected.
Results:
One of 6 receiving hospitals in Dublin had an increase in average presentations on the day. Attendance was reduced significantly due to weather. 261 patients were treated on site, falling in line with lower rate predicted of 31 patients treated in hospital on site and 17 transports off-site.
Discussion:
A predictable number of patients presented for medical care. On-site medical services reduced transports to hospital. Reduced attendance ensured facilities were sufficient, but could have been under the pressure of the predicted attendance of 500,000.
Military participation in humanitarian operations, both in cases of armed conflict and in response to natural disasters, is a common phenomenon in several countries. In Brazil, the Armed Forces have a history in providing humanitarian assistance to victims of emergencies through their field hospitals, such as medical and dental care, laboratory and imaging diagnosis, and pharmaceutical services.
Aim:
To verify pharmaceutical services preparedness of military units in an institution of Brazilian Armed Forces to disaster response and humanitarian aid.
Methods:
A transversal study was carried out. The methodological approach was based on a logical model and indicators related to the preparedness of pharmaceutical services. Field research was carried out and good storage practices were investigated in loco. Key stakeholders were interviewed based on an open-ended questionnaire on the preparedness of pharmaceutical services. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for overall content, according to analytical categories stemming from the literature and indicators prior defined.
Results:
Key stakeholders of three military units were interviewed, and official documents and guidelines were also analyzed. Some pronounced shortcomings were identified, such as the lack of a specific budget for medicines management, no surplus of health supplies, lack of appropriate transports, and need of capacity building of health professionals and support team. The existence of a disaster plan, selection of essential medicines for primary reaction, forecasting of medicines, field hospitals as mobile and adaptable health structures, and a system for military mobilization are some of the strengths identified. Two military units are better structured in the management of pharmaceutical service. The third unit still needs to mature its processes to fit the health purposes of its mission.
Discussion:
These findings can subsidize the improvement of pharmaceutical services’ efficiency and quality in means of providing better response in emergency situations supported by the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Earthquakes have killed around 800,000 people globally in the past 20 years, with head injury being the main cause of mortality and morbidity.
Aim:
To conduct a systematic review to determine the characteristics of head injuries after earthquakes for better disaster preparedness and management.
Methods:
All publications related to head injuries and earthquakes were searched using Pubmed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Ichushi.
Results:
Thirty-six articles were included in the analysis. Head injury was the third most common cause of injury among survivors of earthquakes. The most common injury after an earthquake occurred was in the lower extremities (36.2%), followed by the upper extremities (19.9%), head (16.6%), spine (13.3%), chest (11.3%), and abdomen (3.8%). Earthquake-related head injuries were predominantly caused by a blunt strike (79%), and were more frequently associated with soft tissue injury compared to non-earthquake-related head injuries and less frequently with intracranial hemorrhage. The mean age of patients with earthquake-related head injuries was 32.6 years, and 55.1% of sufferers were male. The most common earthquake-related head injury was laceration or contusion (59.2%) while epidural hematoma was most common among inpatients with intracranial hemorrhage after an earthquake (9.5%). Early wound irrigation and debridement and antibiotics administration are needed to decrease the risk of infection. Mortality due to earthquake-related head injuries was 5.6%.
Discussion:
Head injury was the main cause of mortality and morbidity after an earthquake. The characteristics of earthquake-related head injuries differed from those of non-earthquake-related head injuries, including the frequency of multiple injuries, and occurrence of contaminated soft tissue injury and epidural hematoma. This knowledge is important for determining demands for neurosurgery and for adequate management of patients, especially in resource-limited conditions.
Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma. The “Stop the Bleed” campaign has trained over 130,000 lay people in the US to act to control bleeding. Current hemorrhage control courses, the most well-known being the American College of Surgeon’s Basic Bleeding Control (ACS B-con) course, require in-person training. Scaling this course nationwide is time and resource intensive. Furthermore, groups have advocated that young people, who are disproportionately affected by physical trauma, be universally trained in hemorrhage control.
Aim:
Compare the effectiveness of teaching the ACS B-con course to high school (HS) students utilizing three different delivery mechanisms: in-person live, video-recorded, and virtual-live training.
Methods:
432 students (aged 15-18) will be recruited from two HS settings: 300 from a local HS and 132 from a national online HS platform. Local HS students will be randomized into two arms: a control arm (in-person live training) and virtual training through a pre-recorded lecture. Online HS students will undergo virtual-live training. The primary outcome is correct tourniquet application following training. Secondary outcomes are the acquisition of personal resilience-associated traits using a validated instrument, motivation for further training, and perception of the importance of live training. Tourniquet application data will be assessed using a non-inferiority design using two pairwise comparisons of the intervention arms to the control (in-person). Pre- to post-training survey data will be assessed using paired univariates tests. Sub-analysis of the impact of demographic variables on these relationships will be assessed.
Discussion:
In addition to integration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses into HS curricula, there is momentum to develop effective programs to educate HS students to provide care for the injured and control bleeding before first responders arrive. This trial will help determine the most effective delivery mechanism to teach a hemorrhage control course to HS students at scale.
Currently, there are no universally accepted personal protective equipment (PPE) training guidelines for Emergency Medicine physicians, though many hospitals offer training through a brief didactic presentation. Physicians’ response to hazmat events requires PPE utilization to ensure the safety of victims, facilities, and providers; providing effective and accessible training is crucial. In the event of a real disaster, time constraints may not allow a brief in-person presentation and an accessible video training may be the only resource available.
Aim:
To assess the effectiveness of video versus in-person training of 20 Emergency Medicine Residents in Level C PPE donning and doffing (chemical-resistant coverall, butyl gloves, boots, and an air-purifying respirator).
Methods:
A prospective observational study was performed with 20 Emergency Medicine residents as part of Emergency Preparedness training. Residents were divided into two groups, with Group A viewing a demonstration video developed by the emergency preparedness team, and Group B receiving in-person training by a Hazmat Team Member. Evaluators assessed critical tasks of donning and doffing PPE utilizing a prepared evaluation tool. At the drill’s conclusion, all participants completed a self-evaluation to determine their confidence in their respective trainings.
Results:
Both video and in-person training modalities showed significant improvement in participants’ confidence in doffing and donning a PPE suit (p>0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was seen between training modalities in the performance of donning or doffing (p>0.05).
Discussion:
Video and in-person training are equally effective in preparing residents for donning and doffing Level C PPE, with similar error rates in both modalities. Future trainings should focus on decreasing the overall rate of breaches across all training modalities.
Disaster Medicine (DM) is a discipline arising from the marriage of emergency medicine and disaster management. The importance of DM has recently increased, with current wildfire situations throughout the world being examples of mass scale disasters with significant human morbidity and mortality. DM deals with preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and prevention of disasters (1).
Aim:
To develop an educational strategy and reusable format for delivering undergraduate DM courses online. Man-made, weather-related, humanitarian, and technological disasters occur all around the globe annually, yet the majority of medical schools do not have an undergraduate DM program. This project developed an online course structure accessible to medical schools and students throughout the world.
Methods:
Learning theories and models of learning were used to construct a course layout that encouraged students to be active learners, developed long-term retention strategies, and facilitated assessment for and of learning. This was accomplished through innovative educational modalities, including novel apps and external online resources. The course focuses heavily on outcome-based education with an emphasis on the development of applicable skills. Each lecture is divided into a series of learning objectives to allow students to master concepts sequentially, followed by questions to make use of the “testing effect” (2).
Results:
Focused review of current medical education literature reveals that students learn best when given short, outcome-focused “mini-lectures” followed by low-stakes assessment and feedback.
Discussion:
Medical schools without trained DM staff now have access to expert online material developed by educationalists with a focus on skills and knowledge retention.
The management of chemical and explosive events is critical to reducing morbidity and mortality. However, initial patient care considerations and protective actions for staff are unfamiliar to most frontline clinicians.
Methods:
This study evaluated an Incident report.
Results:
On December 1, 2017, a factory of chemical industries in Japan exploded. Dust forming as a byproduct from the crushing and packing process of the resin for ink exploded at the facility. A local fire department requested the dispatch of two physician-staffed helicopters (known as a doctor helicopter [DH] in Japan). The first party of emergency services established a headquarters and first-aid station. However, this area was feared to be at risk of a second explosion. Physicians performed re-triage for all 11 burned patients. Three severely injured patients were transported to emergency medical service centers either by ground ambulance or the DH without undergoing any decontamination. The physician who escorted the patient by ground ambulance complained of a headache. One of the severely injured patients was treated at a local hospital and then transported to an emergency medical service center after undergoing decontamination and intubation. Fortunately, all patients who were transported to medical facilities obtained a survival outcome.
Discussion:
Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents are rare, but can be fatal for responders to this kind disaster. As such, all who work at such scenes should be prepared and train adequately to ensure they have the knowledge and skill to both manage patients and protect themselves from harm.
The National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (NSDR) characterizes resilient communities as having strong disaster and financial mitigation strategies, strong social capacity, networks, and self-reliance. Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) embrace many characteristics of a disaster resilient community. NPOs do not operate for the profit of individual members. Community groups like Lions and Rotary Club have long histories, and while not established to respond to disasters, they frequently have heavy involvement in preparing for or recovering from, disasters.
Aim:
The study aims to address the question, “What is the potential role of nonprofit organizations in building community resilience to disasters?”
Methods:
An applied research project was carried out, using theories of resilience, social capital, and the Sendai framework to conceptualize the frameworks and guide the process. Qualitative research methods, thematic analysis, and case studies helped identify Lions, Rotary, and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria strengths, barriers, and enablers.
Results:
Research demonstrated how NPOs made significant contributions to building communities’ resilience to disasters. NPOs facilitate three Sendai guiding principles of engaging, empowering, and enabling the community to build disaster resilience. Actions included raising awareness to disaster risk, reducing disaster risk, helping prepare for disasters, and contributing to long term disaster recovery. NPO strengths included local knowledge, community trust, and connections, which matched characteristics listed in the NSDR for a disaster resilient community. However, barriers to participation included traditional emergency services ignoring NPOs, lack of role definition, and lack of perceived legitimacy.
Discussion:
As the first Australia research to scientifically analyze the contributions of these NPOs to build community resilience, before, during and after disaster, this study enhances understanding and recognition of NPOs and assists in identifying means to facilitate their disaster resilience activities and place them more effectively within Emergency Management strategic processes. Greater utilization of such assets could lead to better community outcomes.
Healthcare facilities frequently use disaster codes as a way to communicate with employees that an emergency or incident is occurring. As increasing numbers of providers work at multiple facilities, and healthcare systems continue to build disaster response teams and protocols covering multiple facilities, standardization of disaster code terminology is critical. A lack of consistency in terminology can potentially have a devastating impact on the understanding and response of visiting or relief staff.
Aim:
To evaluate the level of standardization in terminology of disaster codes in healthcare facilities.
Methods:
A convenience sample was taken from a private Facebook™ group consisting of emergency department nurses from a wide range of facilities. The Facebook™ group was asked to share their hospital disaster codes. Of the 40,179 total members, 78 commented, including 55 photos of quick reference badges, and the rest were descriptions/lists of codes. One badge was excluded due to a blurry photograph. Results were collated and analyzed for trends and standardization.
Results:
The most common codes were, “Code Red” for fire (72.7%), “Code Blue” for cardiac arrest (44.9%), “Code Silver” for active shooter/weapons event (37.7%) and “Code Orange” for hazardous materials (33.8%). There were 168 instances of a code term being associated with a particular event by five or fewer facilities. Two facilities used numeric systems, with 11 using plain language descriptions.
Discussion:
Disaster code language is inconsistent. Few of the codes were consistently assigned to the same meaning, and none were universal. Color coding was the most common method, but there was little consistency even within color code systems. Additionally, some facilities used a combination of colors, numbers, terms, and plain language. Healthcare facilities should embrace standard terminology and create a consistent language for disaster codes to enhance response capabilities and medical security.
The natural disasters of the earthquake and tsunami occurred in Palu, on September 28, 2018, at around 17.02 WIB. The earthquake measured 7.7 magnitude with the epicenter at a depth of 10 km in the direction of 27 km northeast of the city of Donggala, followed by a tsunami along the coast of Talise town of Palu. Some of the victims of the disaster have died, and in addition to many deaths, there were reported trauma cases such as fractures, torn wounds, and other injuries where many did not receive medical help.
Aim:
To revitalize hospitals in Palu with the medical assistance team.
Methods:
Sardjito hospital formed a medical team sent to the disaster area which consisted of 22 members from various disciplines (anesthetists, orthopedic surgeons, general surgeons, neurosurgeons, internal medicine doctors, pediatricians, general practitioners, anesthesia nurses, emergency nurses, surgical room nurses, sanitarians, sterilization officer, technical officers, and nutrition officers). The ICS informed the targets of this emergency response that the following must be accomplished within 2 weeks: revitalize the health care facilities and deliver health care. The sanitarian officer coordinated dealing with the problem of the former corpse in Bhayangkara Hospital by doing disinfectants in the area of the former mortuary. Sardjito Hospital’s medical team revitalized health services in Bhayangkara Hospital by providing 24-hour emergency services and surgery.
Results:
The medical team of Sardjito general Hospital gave medical service in Bhayangkara Hospital and Torabello Regional Hospital. The total number of treated patients was 158, and most cases of surgery were orthopedics.
There are many database sets and websites which provide chemical information, but they do not perform an adequate role for emergency medical support in a chemical disaster.
Aim:
To make the basis of a chemical emergency medical information system.
Methods:
We reviewed the database sets, mobile applications and websites in the world which provide chemical database and emergency medical response information from a chemical accident or disaster site to hospitals. Also, we examined chemical accident cases which developed during disasters. A chemical database set for emergency medical response was proposed and the algorithm for elicitation of chemicals suitable for emergency medical response and information providing. We performed a survey about chemical emergency medical information system to related personnel.
Results:
By four steps of elicitation of chemicals, the number of chemicals more than 100,000 was decreased to less than 1,000. The standard of steps includes accident preparedness, toxicity and circulating amount and expert consultation. Algorithm for elicitation of chemicals was made and 82% of related personnel supported the chemical emergency response algorithm. The emergency medical real-time consultation system for chemical disaster was placed under control of the call center.
Discussion:
When mass exposure by toxic chemicals occurs, the chemical emergency medical information system will be helpful for acute identification of chemicals, protection of related personnel and emergency medical response. Also, it can be possible to guide citizens immediately in case of a chemical disaster.
The Zika virus (ZIKV) infection outbreak in Brazil surged in late 2014, peaking in 2015. The most affected region was the northeast, but Rio de Janeiro was especially affected in poor, vulnerable, low-income communities with inadequate sanitation and water. Most cases of the ZIKV-related neurologic syndrome, microcephaly, were detected among newborns coming from this environment.
Aim:
To identify risk perception and consequences of ZIKV infection for pregnant women in a vulnerable community in Rio de Janeiro.
Methods:
Forty women who frequented a primary health care center (PHC) in a ZIKV-prone area of Rio de Janeiro were interviewed based on an open-ended questionnaire on ZIKV infection and risk. No censorship regarding age or other demographic characteristics was applied. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to analytical categories stemming from the literature and prior work. Preliminary analysis focused on risks for pregnant women and other groups.
Results:
Absolute number of responses reflect density of issues within all responses. Age range was 15-60 years. Several women identified microcephaly as a consequence of ZIKV infection for newborns, but many respondents did not cite any health problem associated with ZIKA in pregnancy. Although some cited pregnant women and children as most vulnerable, people living in or near insalubrious environments, such as the elderly, and those with low immunity were more cited. Information was mostly obtained from health professionals and television. Many confused origin and symptoms of ZIKV infection with other arbovirus infections.
Discussion:
This vulnerable group of women, who continuously attend a PHC in the area, have had community experience with the disease and its consequences, showed surprisingly little knowledge as to the risks of ZIKV infection for pregnant women. Results may indicate that the health system has still not achieved adequate risk communication for at-risk women for ZIKV infection in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2006, Japan DMORT was established by physicians, nurses, forensic pathologists, social workers, and a journalist (inspired by a major train crash in the previous year) to provide mental support to disaster victims’ families who had not received care. However, disaster victims’ identification and care of the families were monopolized by police in Japan. Also, our ‘study group’ status confused people who were affected by disasters.
Aim:
To describe the development and future challenges of our association.
Methods:
We developed our policy to focus on mental support through various activities such as the 11 closed seminars with disaster victims’ families, 21 training courses for disaster responders, and several workshops in medical or nursing conferences. In the Christchurch Earthquake, NZ (2011), with young Japanese casualties in a collapsed building, our core member reported the needs of families’ mental support, which showed the validity of our policy.
Results:
In the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011), we distributed mental health care manuals for disaster responders. In the landslides in Izu Oshima Island (2013), 3 members supported victims’ families through the town office. In the Kumamoto Earthquake (2016), two members made grief work on families of 17 victims at the prefectural police academy. These activities convinced the police of the need for medical/mental support and ourselves of the necessity for legal status. In 2017, we reorganized our association into an incorporated society. We also became official members of crime/disaster victims support liaison councils of two prefectures among 47 in Japan. In 2018, official agreements were made with the Hyogo prefectural police. But in the Heavy Rains and Flooding of July and in the Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake of September, the local police did not agree to accept us.
Discussion:
Official collaboration with police is essential nationwide in Japan. Further relief activities are expected.
South Korea experienced Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in 2015. To mitigate the threat posed by MERS, the Ministry of Health and Center for Disease Control designated hospitals to be responsible for managing any suspected or confirmed infectious patient. These hospitals receive mandatory training in managing infectious patients, but many of the trainings lack practical skills practice and pandemic preparedness exercise.
Aim:
To develop and evaluate a training course designed to train healthcare providers from designated hospitals to enhance their competencies in managing emerging infectious diseases and potential outbreaks.
Methods:
A two-day course was developed by the Center for Disaster Relief, Training, and Research in collaboration with the Korea Health Promotion Institute using Kern’s 6-step approach. The course consisted of didactic lectures, technical skills training, tabletop simulation, and scenario-based simulation. Table-top simulation exercises consisted of cases involving a single infectious patient detected in the outpatient clinic and outbreak in the emergency department. Scenario-based simulation exercises involved managing a critically ill infectious patient in an isolated ward. A post-survey questionnaire was used to evaluate the course and assess the perception changes of the participants. All pre-to-post differences within subjects were analyzed with paired t-tests.
Results:
A total of 121 healthcare providers participated in three separate courses. The competencies for pandemic preparedness knowledge, skills, and attitude improved from pre- to post-course. The differences were all statistically significant (p<0.05). Overall course satisfaction in average for expectation, time, delivery method, and contents were 9.5, 9.2, 9.4, and 9.2, respectively.
Discussion:
There needs to be tests and exercises to recognize gaps of systems in place for pandemic preparedness. Simulation exercises are ideal tools for this purpose. Although this was only a two-day intensive course, this increased familiarity with workflows, tested the coordination of workflows between different disciplines and allowed the identification of gaps.
Community-based strategies designed to minimize the impact on local emergency services during mass gathering events (MGEs) require evaluation to provide evidence to inform best practice.
Aim:
This study aimed to describe characteristics and outcomes for people aged 16-18 years requiring emergency care before, during, and after a planned youth MGE “Schoolies week” on the Gold Coast, Australia.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was undertaken. Presentations from all young adults to the emergency department (ED) or In-Event Health Service (IEHS) over a 21-day period in 2014 were included. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to compare across time and to describe characteristics of and outcomes for young adults requiring healthcare.
Results:
A total of 1029 presentations were made by youth aged 16 – 18 to the ED and IEHS over the study period (ED: 139 pre, 275 during, and 195 post; IEHS: 420 during). Patient characteristics and outcomes to the ED that varied significantly between pre, during, and post Schoolies periods included patient’s age (higher proportion of 17-year-olds), residing outside the Gold Coast region, and not waiting for treatment. All were higher during Schoolies week. Of the 24,375 MGE attendees, 420 (1.72% [95% CI, 1.57 – 1.89], 17.2/1,000) presented to the IEHS. The majority were toxicology related (n=169, 44.9%). Transportation to hospital rate was low (0.03% [95% CI, 0.01 – 0.06], 0.3/1,000) for the 24,375 MGE attendees.
Discussion:
Findings from this study support previous research indicating that MGEs can impact local emergency healthcare services. The provision of the IEHS may have limited this impact. The recipients of care delivery, predominantly males with trauma- or toxicology-related problems, warrants further investigation. Research describing the structures and processes of the IEHC could further inform health care delivery in and out of hospital settings.