Crisis Management in Operating Rooms of Educational Hospitals Affiliated to Medical Sciences Universities in Tehran, Iran, 2019

Background: The special role of health service providers in coping with the crisis is undeniable. However, there is lack of a research studying the crisis management of the operating rooms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the situation of crisis management in operating rooms of hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, thirty –seven of operating rooms, affiliated to Tehran, Iran and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were evaluated through observation and ask question based on WHO‏/PAHO standard checklist. All data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and analytical statistical tests (Chi-square, Shapiro Wilk, and ANOVA). Results: According to the results of this study, the average score of structural status, non-structural factors and functional and managerial ability were 16.19± 3.49, 66.32± 15.98, 41.12 ±19.04, respectively, which reflect the medium level of preparedness for disaster management in the operating rooms of hospitals studied. The results of comparison between all three dimensions of crisis management showed that the highest average score of managerial safety and performance was related to operating room of hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (P <0.05). There was not a significant difference in structural and non-structural dimensions among hospitals that were studied (P >0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study the disaster preparedness of operating rooms are moderate (medium) in structural, non-structural, and managerial-functional domains; thus necessary appropriate measures should be taken to enhance the preparedness of hospital operating rooms in these aspects of crisis management.