Rural hospital incident command leaders’ perceptions of disaster preparedness
This study investigates how leaders of Hospital Incident Command Groups (HICGs) in rural northern Sweden perceive their disaster preparedness. As major incidents increase globally, the research focuses on the unique challenges rural hospitals face, such as resource scarcity, long distances, and limited disaster experience. Interviews and focus groups with HICG leaders from three hospitals were conducted to understand their confidence and capacity in managing such crises.
Leaders generally felt confident in their preparedness but identified gaps, especially around less familiar threats like chemical incidents. Key factors influencing preparedness included training, mental readiness, situational awareness, and knowledge of local risks. Geographic isolation and inconsistent communication terms between agencies were major hurdles. The study underscores the need for more targeted training, better coordination, and stronger resource planning to improve disaster readiness in rural healthcare settings.
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