Determinants of Hospital Emergency Preparedness in Machakos Level 5 and Kangundo Level 4 Hospitals

Abstract

Emergency preparedness is a key security priority globally. Plans are needed, not only to maintain services continuity but also to guide in emergencies in hospitals. Kangundo level 4 and Machakos Level 5 Hospital have recorded 27% and 39% increase of emergency cases in 2018 respectively. In the face of these emergencies, the ability of Kangundo level 4 and Machakos Level 5 Hospital to provide emergency service quite literally make the difference between life and death. This study assessed the determinants of Hospital Emergency Preparedness in Kagundo level 4 and Machakos Level 5 Hospitals in Machakos County. The study adopted cross-sectional design and stratified random sampling method. Whereby a sample size of 128 respondents was obtained using the Yamane 2008 formula; 49 respondents from Kangundo level 4 and 79 from Machakos level 5 hospital. Self-administered questionnaire was applied. The findings reveal high understanding of the meaning of emergency preparedness with mean of 4.29±0.67. Ninety-four (74%) of the respondents considering themselves prepared for emergency. While 80 (64%) considered themselves key leadership figure in emergency preparedness with a mean of 3.67±1.06. One hundred and eleven (88%) of the respondents agreed with the statement that training on emergency preparedness should be conducted quarterly with mean of 4.27±0.95. Respondents agreed that emergency tray is well equipped with various equipment for management of emergency with a mean of 3.51± 1.101 and that hospital has a drug supply system with drug suppliers with mean of 3.51±1.108. Majority of the respondents agreed with the statements that financial allocation for emergencies preparedness should be increased (4.07±1.195), and that the facility has transport and logistics support in case of any emergency (3.4±1.231). There results showed strong and positive relationship between commodity availability, financial resources, policies and emergency preparedness with coefficient of correlation of r=0.619, p<0.001, r=0.626, p<0.001, and r=0.702, p<0.001 respectively. In a combined relationship Commodities (p<0.05), Finance (P<0.05) and Policies (P<0.05), all had a significant influence on hospital emergency preparedness. The study found that policy formulation and implementation, commodities and finances significantly influenced emergency preparedness. The study variables under this study are important in determining emergency preparedness, and that emergency preparedness will work well if the variables are taken into account. Therefore, hospital management need to build stable drug supply system with adequate drug suppliers. Resources should be allocated to purchase ultra-modern equipment. Additionally, clear mechanism of access of emergency commodities should be developed by hospital management and staff be made aware of it. There is need for staff participation in emergency policy formulation, guidelines, emergency plans, and lobbying for emergency preparedness. In addition, the facilities need to make emergency drills, and safety inspections regular.