Article Sidebar
Published:
Aug 6, 2023Keywords:
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright of the published papers and grant to the publisher the non-exclusive right to publish the article, to be cited as its original publisher in case of reuse, and to distribute it in all forms and media. Users are required to provide full bibliographic description of the original publication (authors, article title, journal title, volume, issue, pages), as well as its DOI code. In electronic publishing, users are also required to link the content with the original article published in the Ethiopian Medical Journal. Authors can enter separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of their work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Main Article Content
Hospitals preparedness for COVID-19 pandemic response in Southeast Ethiopia
Abstract
Background: Healthcare facilities play a critical role within the health system in providing essential medical care to the community, particularly in a crisis or pandemic. Evidence regarding hospital preparedness during Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic is scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of hospital preparedness for the COVID-19 Response in Southeast Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility-based cross-section study was conducted in the health facilities of Bale, East Bale, and West Arsi zone from June 15-30, 2020. A total of ten hospitals were included in this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. EpiData version 3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS version 20 was used for analysis. The results were described using tables and texts.
Results: None of the included hospitals started the COVID-19 testing service during the study period. Six hospitals have intensive care (ICU) units for adults, however, the maximum bed capacity per hospital was five. Only four hospitals incorporated COVID-19 disaster planning into their planning. Most (90%) of the hospital established multidisciplinary teams to address COVID-19. Nine hospitals prepared information materials on COVID-19 to communicate to patients and their families.
Conclusion: Hospital preparedness for the management and response to the COVID-19 pandemic was not practiced according to the standard set by the World Health Organization and Ministry of Health. Capacitybuilding activities are strongly recommended to fulfill the required supplies and skilled manpower.
