Development of a Proof-of-Concept Multi-Method Computer Simulation to Support Rural Healthcare Disaster Preparedness Planning

Thomas A. Berg; Kristina W. Kintziger; Julie Suzuki Crumly; Scott A. Lawson; Carole R. Myers; Tracey T. Stansberry

doi:10.1007/s13753-024-00561-x

Volume 15 Issue 3

Jun. 2024

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Article Navigation > International Journal of Disaster Risk Science > 2024 > 15(3): 346-358

Thomas A. Berg, Kristina W. Kintziger, Julie Suzuki Crumly, Scott A. Lawson, Carole R. Myers, Tracey T. Stansberry. Development of a Proof-of-Concept Multi-Method Computer Simulation to Support Rural Healthcare Disaster Preparedness Planning[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2024, 15(3): 346-358. doi: 10.1007/s13753-024-00561-x

Citation:

Thomas A. Berg, Kristina W. Kintziger, Julie Suzuki Crumly, Scott A. Lawson, Carole R. Myers, Tracey T. Stansberry. Development of a Proof-of-Concept Multi-Method Computer Simulation to Support Rural Healthcare Disaster Preparedness Planning[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2024, 15(3): 346-358. doi: 10.1007/s13753-024-00561-x

Citation:

Thomas A. Berg, Kristina W. Kintziger, Julie Suzuki Crumly, Scott A. Lawson, Carole R. Myers, Tracey T. Stansberry. Development of a Proof-of-Concept Multi-Method Computer Simulation to Support Rural Healthcare Disaster Preparedness Planning[J]. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2024, 15(3): 346-358. doi: 10.1007/s13753-024-00561-x

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Development of a Proof-of-Concept Multi-Method Computer Simulation to Support Rural Healthcare Disaster Preparedness Planning

doi: 10.1007/s13753-024-00561-x

1. College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA;
2. Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA;
3. Public Health and Healthcare, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA

Funds:

The authors acknowledge funding support from Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Foundations for this research and technical support from Freddy Grey and Amanda Letheren McHale from ORAU.

Accepted Date: 2024-05-06

Available Online: 2024-10-26

Publish Date: 2024-06-04

Abstract

Abstract

Due to a lack of resources, rural communities often face challenges when planning catastrophic events. This project involved applying systems thinking and model-based systems engineering to develop a proof-of-concept, multi-method computer simulation and then determining whether the simulation could be used to assess the efficacy of disaster planning approaches on health outcomes in rural communities, as a function of primary healthcare. The project focus was a rural or non-urban healthcare system experiencing a natural hazard. Both system dynamics and discrete event models were incorporated to represent subsystem operations, crucial disaster responses, as well as three key response systems: public health, emergency management, and healthcare. The subsystem models included several components: policies/procedures, communications, resources, exercises/drills/training, healthcare space and staff, and the flow of affected people into and through the system. The combined simulation can serve as a first step to a more comprehensive approach to helping rural communities achieve more efficient and effective healthcare planning for disaster responses.
- Computer simulation,
- Disaster preparedness,
- Model-based systems engineering,
- Rural healthcare,
- System dynamics model,
- Systems thinking

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References(53)

References

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