Enhancing hospital emergency response based on the experience of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic required a significant response from global healthcare systems. In Belgium, the crisis began in March 2020, prompting quick action in hospitals. This study assesses the effectiveness of Belgium's hospital emergency plans and compares them with global standards for potentia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta clinica belgica (English ed. Online) 2024-08, p.1-11
Main Authors: Desmet, Tania, De Paepe, Peter, Eeckloo, Kristof
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The COVID-19 pandemic required a significant response from global healthcare systems. In Belgium, the crisis began in March 2020, prompting quick action in hospitals. This study assesses the effectiveness of Belgium's hospital emergency plans and compares them with global standards for potential enhancements.INTRODUCTIONThe COVID-19 pandemic required a significant response from global healthcare systems. In Belgium, the crisis began in March 2020, prompting quick action in hospitals. This study assesses the effectiveness of Belgium's hospital emergency plans and compares them with global standards for potential enhancements.An online survey targeting CEOs of 60 Flemish general hospitals evaluated the deployment of hospital emergency coordination cells during the pandemic's first and fourth waves, utilizing various statistical analyses.METHODOLOGYAn online survey targeting CEOs of 60 Flemish general hospitals evaluated the deployment of hospital emergency coordination cells during the pandemic's first and fourth waves, utilizing various statistical analyses.Findings indicate a high establishment rate of COVID-19 coordination cells before the government's deadline. Despite this readiness, differences in leadership, involvement, and communication strategies were noted among hospitals. There was a notable shift towards hybrid meetings and an evolving role for coordination cells, highlighting the need for a more structured crisis management approach.RESULTSFindings indicate a high establishment rate of COVID-19 coordination cells before the government's deadline. Despite this readiness, differences in leadership, involvement, and communication strategies were noted among hospitals. There was a notable shift towards hybrid meetings and an evolving role for coordination cells, highlighting the need for a more structured crisis management approach.The study concludes that while Flemish hospitals were quick to respond, the lack of a standardized framework suggests the potential for adopting models like the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) for improved crisis management. Future research should examine the long-term effects of these strategies and the integration of comprehensive emergency management systems in Belgium's healthcare.CONCLUSIONThe study concludes that while Flemish hospitals were quick to respond, the lack of a standardized framework suggests the potential for adopting models like the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) for improved crisis m
ISSN:1784-3286
2295-3337
2295-3337
DOI:10.1080/17843286.2024.2387384