A large health system has recently converted from an outdated combination of paper documentation and electronic scheduling systems to a more robust EHR. Now that the new system is in place, considerations need to be put in place in the event of a natural disaster. Scenario: (Location) Louisville Ky: Earthquake: How will the facility continue to operate and what steps should be taken to preserve data? Earthquakes can cause large amounts of damage and loss of equipment. Here are some steps that a facility can take to ensure data is preserved. · Ensure continuity of operation (COOP) as needed; follow accounts of staff, patients, and visitors are documented. · Ensure Emergency medical services (EMS) are well prepared in the event of an earthquake. · Hold training sessions and what to do when a crisis happens. (less panic). · Plans for staff, visitors, and patients should be accounted for. Forming Disaster plans for healthcare facilities: · Be organized: it is important that all healthcare facilities be organized and on top of things. · Act collaboratively: facilities should provide additional and advanced training for these types of emergencies. · Prepare, Plan, Practice, and Repeat: All advanced training and planned practices would be helpful to any facility. Using a walkthrough plan in advance can go a long way in a real-world situation.
Forming a Disaster Management Plan for Healthcare. June 17th, 2021 https://www.healthstream.com/resource/blog/forming-a-disaster-management-plan-for- healthcare Tips for Healthcare Facilities: Major Earthquake & Cascading Events: Potential Health and Medical Implications (Summary). December 2018. chrome-extension://hbgjioklmpbdmemlmbkfckopochbgjpl/https://files.asprtracie.hhs.gov/ documents/major-earthquakes-and-cascading-events-summary.pdf