The Application of a Systems Thinking-Based Risk Assessment Method to Identify Hospital Emergency Evacuation Risks

Abstract

Human factors methods, as a systems discipline, can be applied across various areas of working systems. Risk assessment methods are particularly useful for identifying risks that may impact the performance of overall working systems, groups, and individuals. The emergency evacuation process in hospitals involves multiple risks that can significantly affect its performance. This study applied a systems thinking-based risk assessment method to identify risks associated with hospital emergency evacuations. The Networked Hazard Analysis and Risk Management System (Net-HARMS) method was utilized to identify all credible risks in the hospital evacuation process during emergencies that could degrade optimal performance. Some of the key risks identified in the hospital emergency evacuation process included delays in assessing risks associated with evacuation procedures, failures or delays in forming and appointing an emergency evacuation and command team, and inadequate intra- and interorganizational coordination. Additionally, emerging risks were identified, such as delays in the evacuation process due to staff lacking sufficient information about the evacuation and incident command team members, as well as delays in receiving assistance from external organizations like the fire department and Red Crescent due to inadequate interorganizational coordination processes. These risks arose from the interactions between activities. The study concludes that the Net-HARMS method is effective in forecasting systemic and emergent risks in the hospital evacuation process, as well as identifying risks associated with specific activities and emergent risks in this critical process.