Developed by The Permanente Medical Group and Kaiser Permanente Northern California, this educational resource aims to systematically support medical facilities in their care of a suspected or confirmed patient-under-investigation (PUI) for a highly infectious or novel pathogen. The Regional ID Alert Strike Team maintains a trained team of clinician responder-trainers with content expertise and specialized equipment available to redeploy across Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 21 medical centers.
Using Disaster Drills to Meet the Response to the Evolution of Active Threats
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Shared by Sutter Roseville Medical Center, this resource details how active shooter/active threat drills and education have proven to be successful. Following the drills, personnel felt less distress and more comfortable with emergency responses. Preparing for these types of incidents pose challenges, but not preparing can be devastating. Active threats can involve more than just shooters with firearms– threats can include guns, knives or even explosives. Healthcare facilities must plan and prepare for the worst-case scenario.
Shared by Sutter Health Sacramento, this tool details how the hospital conducted a fire exercise to prepare for the potential event of a real fire in a patient care area with patient and staff involvement. The drill allowed the hospital to work with the local fire department to to test egress locations, access water, and attempt patient rescue into the fire stairways. The event was coordinated with Plant Operations to test fire alarms, doors, audible alarms, visual strobes, and other components that are designed to alert occupants of an emergency .
Engaging Offsite Clinical Partners in Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Developed by Stanford Health Care, this tool details how this health care system re-engaged more than 140 outpatient clinics by rounding on their disaster supplies, networking in person, and coordinating offsite sessions to complete a site-specific Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA).
Burnout in Healthcare Workers: Reverse the Crisis, Break the Stigma
2023 Disaster Conference – Best Practice Showcase
Developed by Redlands Community Hospital, this resource details symptoms of burnout and demonstrates the impacts it can have on decision-making and care quality. Addressing burnout helps improve job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and prevent compassion fatigue, fostering a supportive work culture. By prioritizing employee well-being, hospitals not only enhance patient outcomes and organizational efficiency but also create a healthier, more sustainable workforce, ultimately benefiting both healthcare providers and the people they serve.
The document describes policies implemented by Pomona Valley Hospital and standardizes responses for large-scale emergencies that could overwhelm hospital resources. The program includes quarterly and annual training, focusing on rapid setup and resource allocation, with ongoing physician engagement and family reunification plans. The hospital has seen substantial improvements in activation time for emergencies, reducing setup time from over 45 minutes to just 15.
This resource highlights considerations in planning for food and water supplies to support patients, staff, and community members during disasters. Key elements include performing a hazard vulnerability analysis, ensuring compliance with CMS requirements, establishing protocols for subsistence, and creating adaptable menus. The poster also emphasizes regulatory compliance and practical considerations, like backup power, sanitation, and the ability to prepare food without utilities.
Shared by the Alameda County Emergency Services Agency, the California Patient Movement Surge Playbook Poster outlines a framework for managing complex patient transfers and hospital capacity challenges during catastrophic events. It identifies gaps in patient movement, coordination priorities, and best practices.
Registration is open for the January 9 Mid-Day Meet-Up.
Please share your 2025 goals and current challenges.
Registration closes Thursday, January 9 at 10 a.m. (PT).
Contact CAHHS Volunteer Services at (916) 552-7544 or email volunteers@calhospital.org with questions or additional assistance.
CMS Initiates Collection of SNF Ownership Information
This post has been archived and contains information that may be out of date.
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun notifying skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) of new requirements to report detailed information about ownership and management.
What else to know: SNFs must disclose this information on the updated Medicare Enrollment Application (CMS-855A) form attachment, for which CMS has provided additional guidance. Over the next few months, CMS will give all SNFs, including hospital-based SNFs, direction on submitting a revalidation application with the information.
