Introduction: There is no standard guidance for strategies for hospitals to use to coordinate with other agencies during a disaster.
Hypothesis/problem: This study analyzes successful strategies and barriers encountered by hospitals across the nation in coordinating and collaborating with other response agencies.
Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a web-based study from 577 acute care hospitals sampled from the 2013 American Hospital Association (AHA) database. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The most common barriers to collaboration are related to finances, ability to communicate, and personnel.
Keywords: AHA American Hospital Association; ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; EMS Emergency Medical Services; FTE full-time employee; HHS Health & Human Services; HPP Hospital Preparedness Program; disaster; disaster planning; hospitals.