| dc.description.abstract | victims of mass casualty incidents (MCI) which may include man-made and natural
disasters. Despite the awareness of the fact that poor response strategies lead to
increased morbidity and mortality, many hospitals are ill prepared to adequately
respond to victims of mass casualty incidences citing many system deficiencies which
are unique to different health care facilities. The general objective of this study was to
evaluate hospital surge management strategies for coping with mass casualty incidents
along Nakuru- Eldoret- Malaba A-104 Road, Kenya. The specific objectives were; to
examine predisposing factors for patient surge at the Emergency Departments, the
Wards operating theatre and the ICU; to evaluate the status of critical resources
required for mass casualty incidences with unusual high patient surges; to assess
strategies applied to cope with surge during mass casualty incidences. The study was
grounded on the General System Theory approach. The study adopted descriptive and
evaluative research designs. The study population comprised of health care workers,
hospital administrators, patients, civil society organizations and the Police. Simple
random, convenience and purposive sampling techniques were utilized. Sample size -
286 using sample size selection chart. Data was collected using questionnaires,
interviews, FGDs and observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS 25 and
Ms Excel then summarized as percentages, frequencies for descriptive statistics while
inferential statistics were extracted thematically. The quantitative data was presented
inform of charts, graphs and tables. Qualitative data was presented in narratives and in
verbatim quotations. In line with objective one, the results indicated that 74% of the
respondents had either experienced or responded to a major emergency incident in the
workplace, 72% of the respondents reasoned that job action sheets were available in
hospital, 91.6% of the respondents stated that such supplies were available in hospital
stations, Further, (83.3%) responded that such a resource was available and in good
condition. Further, the study found that increasing staff capacity during mass casualty
incidents was an effective strategy during patient surge with 56.48% of the
respondents agreeing, A chi-square test was conducted on the relationship between the
number of years that the respondents have served in the facilities and experience of
major emergency incidence. The chi- square value was 12.607 (p< 0.05) and was
found to be significant. Regarding presence of designated care areas used temporarily
by the hospital, isolation areas rate highest 51.7% availability while auditorium
presence rates 53.3% least available. The overall conclusion of the study is that patient
surge management strategies are still weak and as such cannot give effective
emergency response to mass casualty incidents along Nakuru- Eldoret- MalabaA-104
road, Kenya. Based on the conclusions the study makes the following
recommendations; firstly, that there is need for the hospital management to increase
the number of staff and increase capacity in terms of equipment and instill a multidepartment
approach and culture of emergency management to enhance sustainable
emergency management system during mass casualty incidents; Secondly, the study
recommends that capacity of critical resources be expanded (staffing, equipment, and
prioritization of care). Lastly the study recommends that hospital facilities should
improve on staff, adequate equipment and proper infrastructure to help in responding
to a mass casualty incident. Information derived from the study will help institutions
in the study area plan better on resource placement and policy for management of
mass casualties. | en_US |
