1 research outputs found
A fundamental, national, medical disaster management plan : an education-based model
During disasters, especially earthquakes, health systems are expected to play
an essential role in reducing mortality and morbidity. The most significant
naturally occurring disaster in Iran is earthquakes; they have killed >180,000
people in the last 90 years. According to the current plan in 2007, the disaster management system of Iran is composed of three main work groups: (1) Prevention and
risk management, (2) Education, and (3) Operation. This organizational separation has resulted in lack of necessary training programs for experts of specialized organizations, e.g., the Ministry of Health and Medical Education
(MOHME). The National Board of MOHME arranged a training program
in the field of medical disaster management. A qualified training team was
chosen to conduct this program in each collaborating center, based on a predefined schedule. All collaborating centers were asked to recall 5–7 experts
from each member university. Working in medical disaster management field
for ≥2 years was an inclusion criterion. The training programs lasted three
days, consisted of all relevant aspects of medical disaster management, and
were conducted over a six-month period (November 2007–April 2008). Pretest and post-tests were used to examine the participants’ knowledge regarding disaster management; the mean score on the pre-test was 67.1 ±11.6 and
88.1 ±6.2, respectively. All participants were asked to hold the same training
course for their organizations in order to enhance knowledge of related managers, stakeholders, and workers, and build capacity at the local and provincial
levels. The next step was supposed to be developing a comprehensive medical
disaster management plan in the entire country. Establishing nine disaster
management regional collaborating centers in the health system of Iran has
provided an appropriate base for related programs to be rapidly and easily
accomplished throughout the country. This tree-shaped model is recommended as a cost-benefit and rapid approach for conducting training programs and developing a disaster management plan in the health system of a
developing countryNonePublishe