Understanding the Hazard Profile and Disaster Preparedness Levels of NABH Accredited Hospitals in North India: Evidence from a Cross-sectional Survey 2016

Abstract

Introduction: Implementation of quality management systems and accreditation is the best way to understand disaster preparedness of any hospital. The National Board of Hospitals and Healthcare providers (NABH) has laid down standards for hospital. These standards along with the Disaster Management Act 2005 give direction and guidelines to the hospitals for ensuring that hospital prepare for unprecedented events or disaster situations. Aim: To assess the influence of NABH accreditation on disaster preparedness and response of accredited hospitals of North India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, ex-post facto research was conducted in accredited hospitals on North India to understand their level of disaster preparedness and response. Purposive sampling was done and nine hospitals were selected. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and disaster profile including procedural, structural and non-structural elements. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0 was used for statistical analysis purpose. Results: Accreditation plays very important role in preparing the hospitals and curating their response towards a disaster event. This study found significant level of disaster preparedness in the accredited hospitals irrespective of the structural difference and age of the hospital. Conclusion: The 4th edition of NABH standards has its 8th Chapter on Facility Management and Safety, this chapter has 7 Standards and 46 Objective elements. It guide the hospital regarding provision of safe and secure environment for patients, their families, staff and visitors. Accreditation is the best way to evaluate disaster preparedness of any hospital.

Keywords

• emergency operations centre
• operational plans
• quality standards
• vulnerability