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Comparison of Disaster Preparedness Between Urban and Rural Community Hospitals in New York State

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2018

Dan J. Vick*
Affiliation:
Medical Affairs Department, St. Vincent Evansville, Evansville, Indiana (formerly with Oneida Healthcare, Oneida, NY)
Asa B. Wilson
Affiliation:
School of Health Sciences, Methodist University, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Michael Fisher
Affiliation:
Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Regis University, Denver, Colorado
Carrie Roseamelia
Affiliation:
Rural Medical Scholars ProgramSUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Dan J. Vick, 7866 Scottsdale Drive, Newburgh, IN 47630 (e-mail: djvick615@hotmail.com)

Abstract

Objective

The intent of this study was to determine whether there are differences in disaster preparedness between urban and rural community hospitals across New York State.

Methods

Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey study of 207 community hospitals; thirty-five questions evaluated 6 disaster preparedness elements: disaster plan development, on-site surge capacity, available materials and resources, disaster education and training, disaster preparedness funding levels, and perception of disaster preparedness.

Results

Completed surveys were received from 48 urban hospitals and 32 rural hospitals.There were differences in disaster preparedness between urban and rural hospitals with respect to disaster plan development, on-site surge capacity, available materials and resources, disaster education and training, and perception of disaster preparedness. No difference was identified between these hospitals with respect to disaster preparedness funding levels.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide an assessment of the current state of disaster preparedness in urban and rural community hospitals in New York. Differences in preparedness between the two settings may reflect differing priorities with respect to perceived threats, as well as opportunities for improvement that may require additional advocacy and legislation. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:424-428)

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 

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References

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