Instruments for disaster preparedness evaluation: a scoping review

Abstract

Measuring disaster preparedness has been a challenge as there is no consensus on a standardised approach to evaluation. This lack of clear definitions and performance metrics makes it difficult to determine whether past investments in preparedness have made sense or to see what is missing. This scoping review presents publications addressing the evaluation of disaster preparedness at the governmental level. A literature search was performed to identify relevant journal articles from 5 major scientific databases (Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Business Source Premier and SocINDEX). Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analysed. The review considered the multi-disciplinarily of disaster management and offers a broad overview of the concepts for preparedness evaluation offered in the literature. The results reveal a focus on all-hazards approach as well as local authority level in preparedness evaluation. Variation in the types of instruments used to measure preparedness and the diversity of questions and topics covered in the publications suggest little consensus on what constitutes preparedness and how it should be measured. Many assessment instruments seem to lack use in the field, which limits feedback on them from experts and practitioners. In addition, tools that are easy to use and ready for use by practitioners seem scarce.