Rev. Sue Wintz on emergency preparedness

JCAHO and the Chaplain's Role in Preparedness

Revisions have been proposed to the JCAHO hospital standards that are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2006.

There's not a lot in these proposed revisions that apply to us as pastoral caregivers. However, there is one area that provides opportunity for chaplains to build on within their own organizations. These are the proposed revisions that address Emergency Preparedness. EC 4.20 reads “The hospital regularly tests its emergency management plan.”

The places to pay attention to are in the Elements of Performance particularly items A9, A10, A11, and B13—all of which represent opportunities to build upon the strengths of the pastoral care department.

A.9. During planned exercises the hospital monitors at least the following core performance areas: Communication including the effectiveness of communication both within the hospital as well as with response entities outside the hospital such as local governmental leadership, police, fire, public health, and other healthcare organizations within the community.

The issue in A.9 is communication. We know as professional chaplains that we contribute to effective communication within the organization, particularly during times of crisis. How can you contribute to your current organizational structure and practice?

A.10. During planned exercises the hospital monitors at least the following core performance areas: Resource mobilization and allocation including responders, equipment, supplies, personal protective equipment, transportation and security.

What is your department plan for mobilizing resources, and how is this documented? How is this communicated to your organization’s leaders?

A.11. During planned exercises the hospital monitors at least the following core performance areas: Patient management including provision of both clinical and support care activities, processes related to triage activities, patient identification and tracking processes.

What is your department’s role in emergency preparedness? How is this communicated to your administration? How can you monitor and report what it is that you are able to provide in advance of and during an emergency event?

B.13. Completed exercises are critiqued through a multi-disciplinary process that includes administration, clinical (including physicians) and support staff.

Who within your department participates in post-exercise critiques? How does that person articulate the contribution of chaplaincy? Elements of Performance B14, B15, and B16 go on to describe critiques and how the organization incorporates identified areas of improvement into its overall plan.

JCAHO standards provide chaplaincy departments with the opportunity to articulate and advocate for the work that chaplains do as members of the interdisciplinary team. It is to our advantage, as both professionals and caregivers, to be aware of proposed changes and to continue to advocate for the role of chaplaincy within our organizations.

The complete text for the proposed revisions can be found online at:
http://jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/hospitals/standards/pre-publication+standards/hap_stdrev_706.pdf

Do you have thoughts about advocacy you’d like to share with your colleagues? Send an e-mail to info@PlainViews.org.