Abstract
Background and Objectives : Natural and man-made disasters always threaten human lives and properties. Iran as one of the disastrous countries has experienced both natural and man-made disasters. Preparedness is one of the vital elements in response to disasters. So, this study was arranged and carried out with the aim of measuring preparedness of hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in response to disasters.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in four hospitals affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2015. A satisfactorily valid (kappa: 0.8) and reliable checklist was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 17.
Results: The surveyed hospitals with the total score of 67 % were in good condition in response to disasters. The emergency departments (83%), reception (75%), communication (69%), education (70%), supply services (61%), human sources (71%) and command (79%) also acquired good scores. Discharge units (60%), traffic (55%) and security (53%) were in moderate condition in preparedness. In necessary fields for response to disasters, the whole research units acquired 67% which showed good condition in this field.
Conclusion: The surveyed hospitals were in prepared and suitable condition in the emergency departments, reception, communication, education, human sources and command. In order to improve and enhance the preparedness, a schedule plan should be programmed for some elements such as discharge, transfer, traffic, security and six-crucial elements of the field.