Disaster/Emergency Preparation Checklists and Resources for Health Care Supply Chain

During times of disaster, hospitals play an integral role as the community safety net, providing essential medical care that must be available often times within a moment’s notice. Strategic planning and ongoing training are necessary to identifying, dispatching and mobilizing critical material and human resources. The health care supply chain professional is a vital component of any hospital emergency response team and the hospital incident command center. Efficiency in emergency supply chain management means allocating adequate resources to achieve the greatest aggregate benefit for as many people as possible.

The supply chain leader acts as an expert in resource allocation, including supplies and services needed during incidents such as a natural disaster, pandemic or public health incident, act of terrorism or mass casualty, and manages the supply lines to meet a surge in demand without disruption. Interdepartmental coordination, supplier and distributor management, and engagement with local and/or regional organizations are essential to managing the incident successfully.

The Supply Chain Management Best Practices and Ideas consists of three checklists help your team ready, and stay organized before, during and after an emergency or disaster. They are intended to be modified to your organization’s needs and include additional resources to assist as you conduct your own research.