ASSESSMENT OF HOSPITALS PREPAREDNESS IN ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES WITH MASS CASUALTY: THE CASE OF IRAN.

INTRODUCTION: Road traffic crashes (RTCs) annually cause about 1.35 million deaths and 20-50 million injuries. Hospitals have the main role in responding to road traffic injuries (RTIs) and decreasing the number of disabilities and deaths. This study aimed to assess the preparedness of selected Iranian hospitals in responding to road traffic crashes with mass casualties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 13 hospitals in four provinces including Tehran, Alborz, West Azerbaijan, and Hamedan in 2019. the valid and reliable questionnaire of hospital preparedness assessment in RTIs was used for data collection (Kappa coefficient = 0.89; CVR: 0.98; CVI: 0.97). Using SPSS 16, the level of hospital preparedness was categorized into three parts as weak (less than 34%), moderate (34-66%), and high (more than 66%). RESULTS: Preparedness of the selected hospitals was at a moderate level (= 65.25%). Although the level of preparedness in the aspects of command and control (72.7%), safety and security (71.54%), infrastructure and medical equipment (74.12%), and coordination (71.15%) was satisfactory, hospitals were weak in the training and exercise aspect (48.46%). The level of access to specific equipment needed for responding to trauma injuries was high (79.56%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, a response plan is required to make hospitals more prepared to respond to road traffic injuries. The plan may include training and development, as well as health facilities preparedness in terms of structure, equipment, and human resources. In addition, assessing the effectiveness of all response plans requires exercise and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]