Emergency Preparedness in Healthcare Systems: A Health Security Framework for Risk Assessment, Resilience, and Continuity of Operations
Abstract
Background: Healthcare systems face increasing threats from natural and man-made disasters, requiring robust emergency preparedness frameworks to ensure continuity of operations and protect public health.
Aim: This study aims to develop a comprehensive health security framework for risk assessment, resilience, and continuity of operations, with a focus on pediatric emergency readiness and interprofessional interventions.
Methods: A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing disaster management literature, international guidelines, and evidence-based frameworks such as SMAUG for risk prioritization. The analysis included disaster typologies, operational classifications, and preparedness strategies across healthcare systems.
Results: Findings highlight that preparedness is a dynamic, systems-based process requiring clear terminology, hazard classification, and adaptive planning. Pediatric emergency readiness emerged as a critical determinant of clinical outcomes, with significant gaps identified in general emergency departments. Interprofessional collaboration, technology integration, and continuous training were found essential for operational resilience. Frameworks like SMAUG support transparent prioritization, while drills and exercises ensure practical capability.
Conclusion: Emergency preparedness in healthcare must integrate risk assessment, pediatric readiness, and interprofessional coordination into continuous planning cycles. Leadership commitment, interoperability, and sustained training are vital for resilience. Benchmarking against international standards can transform preparedness from aspirational to operational, reducing morbidity and mortality during crises.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2025 Turki Muqbil Marzouq Alotaibi, Rawan Mohammed Ali Al-Qahtani, Bashayr Thear Mesfer Alqahtani, Tahani Hadi Yahya Aati, Naif Abdulaziz Hathal Aldawsari, Muneerah Saleh Sulman Alshunaifi, Thamer Mohsen Mohammed Aldajani, Sarah Mohammed Nasser Alshuhail, Mashail Ibrahim Jaza AlQahtani, Mohammed Ayad Nasir Alqahtani, Khawlah Mohammed Judayba, Taghred Ayad Alshalwi, Reem Sunaytan Alotaibi, Manal Saud Alharbi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.