| Title |
A Survey on the Facility Design Elements for Hospital Business Continuity in Disaster Response |
| Authors |
김영애(Kim, Young-Aee) ; 이현진(Lee, Hyun-Jin) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2023.39.9.93 |
| Keywords |
Respond to Disaster; Hospital; Business Continuity; Continuity of Hospital Service; Design Elements |
| Abstract |
This study aim to present the ‘The Design Elements of Hospitals to Respond to Disaster’ to maintain uninterrupted medical services during
disasters. Factors contributing to disaster risk, measures for ensuring continuous medical care, response and recovery plans, specific design and
construction strategies, medical sector plans, and construction cases were examined. It is important to note that this study focuses solely on
the physical environment and gathers insights exclusively from design experts in hospital architecture. This research involved a literature
review of disaster response standards and healthcare architecture cases in the United States and Japan. Ten medical planners representing seven
architectural design firms specializing in hospital design participated in this survey that was conducted between July and October 2022.
Open-ended questions were used to tap into their specialized and diverse experiences. Design considerations for hospital service continuity
during disasters, organized by various sectors were presented. These include infection prevention, evacuation routes, seismic structural design,
handling patient surges, and standards for life support equipment to ensure the safety of both patients and medical staff. Consequently, the
development of a comprehensive design checklist tailored to different levels of medical institutions is recommended. Additionally, in the event
of a surge in patients during a disaster, policies should be in place to encourage the voluntary participation of medical institutions in
providing extra space and manpower. This proactive approach will enhance hospitals’ resilience in disaster response, minimize damage within
their facilities, and enable them to fulfill their crucial role in safeguarding patients’ lives and continuing treatment. Furthermore, by actively
participating in disaster response efforts, hospitals can earn the trust of local residents and contribute to the well-being of their communities
during challenging times. |