Work

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

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries

DOI: 10.1002/hfm.70001

Authors: Morteza Mahdavi, Fakhradin Ghasemi, Leila Omidi

Institutions: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Abadan University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Risk and Safety Analysis

Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services