Records disaster awareness and preparedness : A case study at Kiswa Health Center III

Abstract

The study was focused on examining the levels of records disaster awareness and preparedness at Kiswa Health Centre III, The objectives of the study were; To explore the types of records kept by hospitals at Kiswa Health Centre III, To investigate the challenges facing the management of disasters at Kiswa Health Centre III, To analyse different disaster management phases developed by Kiswa Health Centre III, To identify the disaster management equipment at Kiswa Health Centre III and To establish the core components of a disaster management plan. The study adopted a case study design. Data was collected using interviews and observation guide. Data collected in this study was qualitative data the respondents were stratified according to the departments of the health centre based on the selected sample size. The study involved 11 respondents and the results have been presented in table form, the health centre creates and maintains a number of patient records from services like laboratory, family planning, TB screening, dental among others which include medical reports, treatment patient records and lab investigation records, The health centre surface challenges of inadequate disaster equipment, dust and understaffing among others, the study will assist Kiswa Health Centre III and other facilities in formulating policies on disaster management and disaster preparedness. The study recommended that the health centre should develop a Disaster Management Plan, consider converting to electronic records since most records there are paper based, Backup computer files, records management policy, develop an electronic list for patient records for example medication, immunization, HIV/AIDS among others and also the study recommends that the health centre improves on the training of staff on disaster management in order to respond to emergencies effectively and efficiently.