Certified Hospital Emergency Coordinator (CHEC) Training Program Evaluating Plans for Quality

Objectives Learn to critically evaluate a Hospital Emergency Management Program (HEMP) and its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for quality Understand the characteristics of a quality plan

Evaluating the Plan After completing the EOP, but before approving it, the plan should be evaluated for comprehensiveness, usability, and its ability to meet the needs of the facility during a given emergency (“all-hazards”) It is the HEC’s and the HEMC's responsibility to take a step back, after they complete their work, and review it with a critical eye. A plan will be just a binder full of pages unless it’s appropriate for the facility, usable, thorough and readable. Before sending the copy to print, they need to make sure that these things are true for the material at hand. Can the course of action in the plan be carried out? Is the plan written in a language that everyone can understand?

How to critically evaluate an EOP Basic questions to consider: Can the plan be carried out? Is the plan written in language that everyone can understand? Ask someone close to you but not in Emergency Management to read the plan or even just an Annex and see if they could understand or follow it with limited (or preferably no) questions. A spouse, etc will do the trick.

How to critically evaluate an EOP The EOP should be based on valid facts or reasonable assumptions, as determined by an evidence-based HVA When evaluating the plan, look for the following: Evidence of “valid facts and reasonable assumptions” included and cited at the appropriate locations in the EOP

How to critically evaluate an EOP Other questions to consider when reviewing an EOP: Does the plan meet the needs of the facility? Is the training program sufficient and robust? Does the plan provide a course of action to manage consequences of emergencies or disasters?

How to critically evaluate an EOP Is there a clear command structure outlined? Within the organizational structure, are relationships, roles, and responsibilities clearly outlined? Do the plan elements coordinate and fit well together?

How to critically evaluate an EOP Is interagency coordination addressed? Does the plan provide for continuity of operations? Is the plan NIMS compliant? Does it meet regulatory standards? Are there well-described mechanisms for review and revision? Have you included the new Elements of Performance in the EOP? Remember NIMS is NOT ICS, NIMS includes preparedness activities and much more!

How to critically evaluate a HEMP Does the HEMC contain the proper members, and is it effective? Is the HVA adequate? Has everyone who will be using the plan been made aware of it and been trained in their roles? Is there a mechanism to ensure knowledge of the plan by all partners? Are proper exercises performed at the required intervals?

Bottom Line Do the HEMP and the EOP provide for the protection of staff and patients, the continuation of care, and the mitigation of damage to the facility during an emergency or disaster? Rehash the goal of the plan…preventing loss of life, continuing the provision of care, maintaining operations at the facility (if possible), and keeping everyone safe.

Certified Hospital Emergency Coordinator (CHEC) Training Program Evaluating Plans for Quality Questions?