Generic evaluation methods for disaster drills in developing countries - 26/08/11
Abstract |
Disaster simulations (drills) are widely used throughout the world and are considered a fundamental tool for evaluation and improvement of local disaster response capacity. Despite this, no generally accepted methodology exists for quantitative evaluation of the medical response to a disaster drill. We therefore set out to develop and prospectively test a comprehensive method to assess both medical provider and organizational performance during a disaster simulation. Because disasters disproportionately affect the populations of developing countries, we designed these methods to be sufficiently flexible to be applicable in both the developed and the developing world. Objective outcome measures were identified for each component of disaster medical response and were incorporated into 3 data collection instruments. The derived methods were applied to a multiagency disaster simulation in Guatemala City, Guatemala. On the basis of this pilot study, suggested modifications and recommendations were made. The ability to objectively identify the specific strengths and weaknesses of an emergency medical services systems' medical response to a disaster is an important step toward optimizing system performance. On the basis of our experience, we recommend the incorporation of objective evaluation methods such as these into every disaster simulation. [Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41:689-699.]
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☆ | This work was supported by The International Foundation and Emergency International. Ms. Modi and Mr. Lunney were part-time employees of Emergency International at the time of the project. |
☆☆ | Address for reprints: Gary B. Green MD, MPH, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 6-100, Baltimore, MD 21205; E-mail ggreen@jhmi.edu. |
Vol 41 - N° 5
P. 689-699 - mai 2003 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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