Hospital safety index in hospitals affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences in 2015

Abstract

Introduction: To survive is the first concern of people after disasters. The ability to keep performing and offering services in hospitals at the same time as appropriate responding to the medical needs of disaster victims, matters tremendously. An effective element in this regard is having appropriate safety level in hospitals. The aim of this study was to specify the safety index of hospitals covered by Alborz University of Medical Sciences.
 Methods: This descriptive-provisional study was conducted between 2014 and 2015 in Alborz province. Nine public hospitals, affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, were chosen by the means of census method. The data collection tool was the standard tool of hospital safety index, WHO / PAHO, through which the level of hospital safety (in three structural, non-structural and functional areas) were determined. Data were analyzed through Excel software. The outcomes were rated between zero to one, and accordingly, in terms of safety, hospitals were classified as either A, B or C.
 Results: Based on the results of this study, most of the examined hospitals were at B level of safety. Although the group B hospitals can put up with disasters in time but, their vital equipment and services will be put at jeopardy.
 Conclusion: Measuring the safety index of hospitals as well as determining their level of safety, it can be figured out how much a hospital can preserve its organization and function in disasters. This index will be helpful for decision makers and policymakers, when it comes to prioritizing management and civil interventions.

A Qualitative Study on the Use of the Hospital Safety Index and the Formulation of Recommendations for Future Adaptations

“…Although it is estimated that the HSI has been used to assess the safety of more than 3500 facilities worldwide [ 6 ], scientific publications on it are scant. Most of the studies found in the literature refer to a few countries, and they are either reporting the results of HSI assessments [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], comparing preparedness across cities [ 17 ], or adapting the tool to specific contexts [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. There is a lack of studies on the methodological implications of using the HSI as a primary data collection tool and a shortage of qualitative studies.…”