Assessment of Detroit Hospital Preparedness for Response to an Improvised Nuclear Attack

Assessment of Detroit Hospital Preparedness for Response to an Improvised Nuclear Attack by Sharri Suesette Andersen MHA, University of Phoenix 2011 BHSA, Baker College, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University August 2016 Abstract An improvised nuclear device (IND) is considered by the DHS to be the most catastrophic terrorist incident that could befall the United States, causing severe economic damage, extensive property damage, and enormous loss of life. Effective response to an IND is best accomplished with preparation including emergency operations plans (EOP) specific to an IND and training for staff on how to respond. TheAn improvised nuclear device (IND) is considered by the DHS to be the most catastrophic terrorist incident that could befall the United States, causing severe economic damage, extensive property damage, and enormous loss of life. Effective response to an IND is best accomplished with preparation including emergency operations plans (EOP) specific to an IND and training for staff on how to respond. The literature documents several areas of weakness in U.S. health services’ preparation that affects entire communities and puts lives at risk. The purpose of this study was to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in Detroit, Michigan hospitals’ EOP for responding to an IND terrorist attack. The conceptual framework used systems theory to look at how an event’s complex individual components work as parts of a larger whole. Specifically, the interconnections that the individual parts of an event have on the outcome were assessed as means of evaluating the IND EOP that Detroit area hospitals have in place. This qualitative study consisted of an interview approach with the emergency management representatives of Detroit hospitals responsible for EOP development. Data analysis was completed using categorization based on research questions to look for commonalities and trends. This study revealed gaps that the 5 participating Detroit hospitals have in their preparation, training, and staff knowledge in response to an IND. Implications for positive social change, at local and national levels, include creation and dissemination of an improved model for disaster planning and training in the hospital setting, which correlates to improved community response and community care for health service organizations and throughout health services as a whole. Assessment of Detroit Hospital Preparedness for Response to an Improvised Nuclear Attack by Sharri Suesette Andersen MHA, University of Phoenix 2011 BHSA, Baker College, 2009 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University August 2016 Dedication For my husband Jeff, who supported and encouraged me to keep reaching for my goals no matter how hard it became or how discouraged I felt. For my sister Patty, who pushed me to keep going and would never allow me to quit. Your support means the world to me. For my children, Matthew, Jaquelyne, and John, who are and always will be my inspiration to improve myself and the world around me. Your support for me has been unwavering and inspires me to imagine what could be. In the words of J.K. Rowling, “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better. ” Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Kourtney Nieves, my committee chair, for guidance and encouragement along the path of completing this dissertation. Your expertise, direction, and caring helped me to complete this journey and will be appreciated forever. To Dr. Earla White, your assistance in my completing this dissertation is immeasurable and I thank you. To my colleagues in healthcare safety that listened to my ideas, assisted me along the way, and didn’t turn away when I asked so many times for your opinions, I say thank you. Without you I would never have been successful in my quest to complete this dissertation. Finally, to the various professors, instructors, and teachers who have worked with me throughout my education I am grateful. To continue my education is a lifetime commitment and I thank you for making it possible, interesting, challenging, and enjoyable.