@article{ref1,
title="Pediatric disaster preparedness of a hospital network in a large metropolitan region",
journal="American journal of disaster medicine",
year="2010",
author="Ferrer, Rizaldy R. and Balasuriya, Darshi and Iverson, Ellen and Upperman, Jeffery S.",
volume="5",
number="1",
pages="27-34",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: We describe pediatric-related emergency experiences and responses, disaster preparation and planning, emergency plan execution and evaluation, and hospital pediatric capabilities and vulnerabilities among a disaster response network in a large urban county in the West Coast of the United States. METHODS: Using semistructured key informant interviews, the authors conducted qualitative research between March and April 2008. Eleven hospitals and a representative from the community clinic association agreed to participate (86 percent response rate) and a total of 22 key informant interviews were completed. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti.v.5.0, a qualitative analytical software program. RESULTS: Although hospitals have infrastructure to respond in the event of a large-scale disaster, well-established disaster preparedness plans have not fully accounted for the needs of children. The general hospitals do not anticipate a surge of pediatric victims in the event of a disaster, and they expect that children will be transported to a children's hospital as their conditions become stable. CONCLUSIONS: Even hospitals with well-established disaster preparedness plans have not fully accounted for the needs of children during a disaster. Improved communication between disaster network hospitals is necessary as incorrect information still persists.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1932-149X",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}