Using After-Action Reviews to Strengthen Hospital Preparedness: A Lesson Learned From COVID-19

Sorbello, Sebastiano; Pleet, Anna; Ambrosio, Alberto; Odone, Anna

doi:10.1097/qmh.0000000000000322

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…6 Only recently during COVID-19, AARs were used at regional or institutional levels. 30 In this study, the AAR methodology was able to provide an ad hoc structure to evaluate the performance of the COVID-19 surveillance system in Quang Ninh CDC. AAR helped identify bottlenecks in the system and provided practical steps to direct resources into challenges that would have otherwise be neglected due to the constant requirement of the system.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

After action review of the COVID-19 surveillance system in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, in 2020

Quach¹,

Nguyen²,

Thai³

et al. 2023

JEM

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Surveillance is the backbone of any response to an infectious disease outbreak, and comprehensive evaluation of surveillance systems is crucial. However, structured evaluations of surveillance systems during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. We conducted a after action review (AAR) of the performance of the COVID-19 surveillance system in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, during 2020 using the COVID-19-specific AAR methodology developed by the World Health Organization in combination with guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We conducted a stakeholder survey, document reviews, and key informant interviews with staff from Quang Ninh CDC’s COVID-19 surveillance system. The COVID-19 surveillance system was based on the pre-existing surveillance system in the province. The system’s strengths were early preparation for emergency response, strong governance and central coordination, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Stakeholders agreed that the system proved useful and adaptive to the fast-evolving COVID-19 situation but was weakened by overly complex systems, redundant administrative processes, unclear communication channels, and lack of resources. Overall, the surveillance systems in Quang Ninh province proved effective in containing COVID-19 and adaptive in a fast-changing epidemiological context. Several recommendations were made based on identified areas of concern that are of relevance for COVID-19 surveillance systems in Vietnam and similar settings.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

After action review of the COVID-19 surveillance system in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, in 2020

Quach¹,

Nguyen²,

Thai³

et al. 2023

JEM

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…These methodologies, in fact, not only represent a tool for organizational learning, but also increase inter-sectoral cohesion and awareness of being part of an institution where each member can make a contribution to the decision-making process. 35…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A systematic and multidisciplinary approach to operations assessment can also help overcome the challenges linked to an excessive fragmentation of activities and tasks within the hospital setting, the so‐called silo effect. These methodologies, in fact, not only represent a tool for organizational learning, but also increase inter‐sectoral cohesion and awareness of being part of an institution where each member can make a contribution to the decision‐making process 35 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

After Action Reviews of COVID‐19 response: Case study of a large tertiary care hospital in Italy

Sorbello

Bossi

Zandalasini

et al. 2021

Health Planning & Management

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Background After‐Action Reviews (AARs) are management tools used to evaluate the response to public health emergencies at the national and subnational level. Aim of this study is to apply available AAR models to assess and critically appraise COVID‐19 response of San Raffaele Scientific Institute, a large university hospital in Milan, Italy. Methods We designed an AAR based on the key‐informant interview format, following the methodology proposed by the 2019 World Health Organization Guidance for AAR. After systematic assessment of the hospital reorganization, we conducted 36 semi‐structured interviews to professionals with executive, clinical, technical and administrative roles. We designed an ad‐hoc questionnaire exploring four areas: (i) staff management; (ii) logistics and supplies; (iii) COVID‐19 diagnosis and clinical management; (iv) communication. Results Overall, the hospital response was evaluated as effective and sufficiently prompt. Participants stressed the relevance of: (i) strong governance and coordination; (ii) readiness and availability of healthcare personnel; (iii) definition of a model of care based on a multidisciplinary approach. Challenges were reported for communication management and staff training. Conclusions This study is one of the first applications of the AAR to the COVID‐19 response in hospital settings, which can be successfully adapted or scaled up to other settings in order to implement preparedness strategies for future public health emergencies.

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Using After-Action Reviews to Strengthen Hospital Preparedness: A Lesson Learned From COVID-19

Cited by 2 publications

References 3 publications

After action review of the COVID-19 surveillance system in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, in 2020

After action review of the COVID-19 surveillance system in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, in 2020

After Action Reviews of COVID‐19 response: Case study of a large tertiary care hospital in Italy

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