Hospital disaster and emergency preparedness (HDEP) in Lebanon: A national comprehensive assessment

Abstract

Background: Hospital disaster and emergency preparedness are critical for country-specific readiness level to withstand disasters. Lebanon has consistently experienced man-made and natural disasters. This study sought to perform a comprehensive assessment of the country's level of hospital disaster and emergency preparedness. Method: A 3-step methodology was designed. We first developed a Hospital Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (HDEP) tool following a comprehensive literature review. Second, we conducted a modified Delphi process with local experts to tailor the HDEP tool to the Lebanese context. Third, we administered the tool to directors of hospitals with at least a 100 bed capacity across all governates in Lebanon. Results: Twenty four hospitals were included. All (100%) had a disaster and emergency response plan, but only 83% of hospital plans included a recovery phase, and 62% included a formal surge capacity plan. Most hospitals were equipped with basic medical/pharmaceutical supplies, onsite laboratories, blood banks and imaging facilities. Disaster-only medical carts and disaster-only supplies were available in only 33% and 42% of the hospitals, respectively. The majority of hospitals (71%) had a medical ICU, but only 25% had a surgery-specific ICU. A backup communication system was reported in only 66.7% of hospitals. Only 79% of hospitals routinely perform disaster drills. Post-disaster mental health services were present in 15% of surveyed hospitals. Conclusion: A formal HDEP plan was common to Lebanese hospitals however gaps in disaster preparedness were identified. Future initiatives should focus on building upon existing resources and capacities to strengthen readiness and improve coordination. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd