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Business Continuity Management in hospital

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Business Continuity Management in hospital

The basics about Business Continuity Management (BCM) in hospital

Business Continuity Management (BCM) is an essential process for hospitals to ensure
their operations continue to function during and after disruptive events such as natural
disasters, cyber attacks, and pandemics. Here are some key steps hospitals can take to
implement BCM:
 Identify critical functions and services: Hospitals must identify their critical functions and
services that need to continue operating during a disruption. These may include patient
care, emergency services, and critical support functions such as IT, finance, and supply
chain management.
 Conduct a risk assessment: Hospitals should assess the risks they face and prioritize the
risks based on their likelihood and potential impact on the critical functions and services
identified in step 1.
 Develop a business continuity plan: Based on the results of the risk assessment,
hospitals should develop a business continuity plan that includes procedures for
responding to disruptions. The plan should outline how the hospital will continue to
provide critical services, how it will communicate with stakeholders, and how it will
recover from the disruption.
 Test the plan: Hospitals should test their business continuity plan through simulation
exercises and drills to identify any weaknesses and areas for improvement.
 Maintain the plan: Hospitals should review and update their business continuity plan
regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This should include updating the
plan based on any changes in the hospital's operations, changes in the risks faced, and
lessons learned from testing and real-world incidents.
Implementing BCM in hospitals can help ensure that critical services continue to be
provided to patients during and after disruptive events, and can help minimize the impact of
such events on the hospital's operations.
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Building Business Continuity Plan

Building a business continuity plan (BCP) involves several key steps, including:
Identify Critical Functions: Identify the critical functions and services that your organization
provides, and prioritize them in terms of importance.
Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify the risks and threats that could disrupt your organization's
operations, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or supply chain interruptions.
Develop Recovery Strategies: Based on the identified risks and critical functions, develop
recovery strategies that outline the steps to take in case of a disruption. These strategies should
consider how to restore key business processes and services, and how to minimize the impact
on the organization's operations.
Create Emergency Response Procedures: Develop procedures for responding to an emergency,
including evacuation plans, communication protocols, and emergency contact lists.
Establish Business Continuity Teams: Establish teams responsible for managing and executing
the BCP, and provide them with the necessary resources to implement the plan.
Develop and Implement the BCP: Develop a detailed plan document that outlines the recovery
strategies and procedures, and implement the plan across the organization.
Test and Evaluate the BCP: Regularly test the plan through simulation exercises and drills to
identify any weaknesses or gaps in the plan. Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make
any necessary revisions.
Maintain the BCP: Review and update the plan regularly to ensure it remains relevant and
effective. This should include updating the plan based on any changes in the organization's
operations, changes in the risks faced, and lessons learned from testing and real-world
incidents.
Building a business continuity plan involves a detailed and systematic approach to
identifying and mitigating risks, developing recovery strategies, and establishing a plan for
responding to disruptions. By following these steps, organizations can ensure that they are
prepared to respond effectively to any disruption and minimize the impact on their operations.
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Preconditions for successful business Continuity management in hospital

There are several preconditions that are necessary for a successful business continuity
management (BCM) program in a hospital:
 Senior Management Support: Successful BCM requires the commitment and
involvement of senior management in the hospital. Senior management should
understand the importance of BCM and provide the necessary resources to implement
and maintain the program.
 Risk Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive and ongoing risk assessment is critical to
identifying potential risks that could disrupt the hospital's operations. The results of the
risk assessment should be used to inform the hospital's BCM program.
 Business Impact Analysis: A thorough business impact analysis is necessary to determine
the potential impact of a disruption on the hospital's critical functions and services. This
analysis should identify the resources and personnel required to maintain critical
functions during a disruption.
 Resource Allocation: The hospital should allocate the necessary resources to support its
BCM program, including personnel, technology, and financial resources.
 Communication Plan: A communication plan is essential to ensure that all stakeholders,
including patients, staff, and vendors, are informed of any disruptions and the hospital's
response plan.
 Training and Awareness: Regular training and awareness programs for staff and
stakeholders are essential to ensure that everyone understands their roles and
responsibilities during a disruption.
 Testing and Maintenance: Regular testing and maintenance of the hospital's BCM
program is necessary to identify weaknesses, make necessary adjustments, and ensure
that the program remains effective.
By implementing these preconditions, hospitals can establish a strong foundation for a
successful BCM program that can help ensure critical services continue to be provided to
patients during and after disruptive events.
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The roles of healthcare workers in BCM

Healthcare workers play a critical role in Business Continuity Management (BCM) in a
hospital. Here are some of the key roles that healthcare workers can play:
 Identifying Critical Functions: Healthcare workers can identify the critical functions and
services that are necessary to continue operations during a disruption. This can help
inform the development of the hospital's BCM program.
 Risk Assessment: Healthcare workers can provide input and expertise in assessing the
potential risks and threats that could disrupt the hospital's operations. This information
can help identify and prioritize the risks to be addressed in the BCM program.
 Business Impact Analysis: Healthcare workers can help in conducting a thorough
business impact analysis, which is necessary to determine the potential impact of a
disruption on critical functions and services.
 Communication and Response: Healthcare workers can help with the communication
and response plan by identifying the key stakeholders, developing communication
protocols, and providing input on how to respond to a disruption. They can also play an
essential role in the execution of the plan, including the provision of patient care,
support services, and emergency response.
 Training and Awareness: Healthcare workers should receive regular training and
awareness programs to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities during a
disruption. This training should include how to respond to emergencies, how to execute
the hospital's BCM program, and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Healthcare workers are critical to the success of a hospital's BCM program. Their expertise
and input can help inform the program's development, ensure that the plan is effective, and
support the hospital's ability to maintain critical functions and services during a disruption.
Threats for BCM in hospital
There are several threats that can impact the effectiveness of a Business Continuity
Management (BCM) program in a hospital. Here are some of the most common threats that
hospitals should consider:
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Natural Disasters: Hospitals can be vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods,
hurricanes, and wildfires, which can disrupt operations and impact the ability to provide patient
care.
Cybersecurity Threats: Hospitals are increasingly reliant on technology, making them vulnerable
to cyber threats such as hacking, ransomware, and other types of malware that can impact
critical systems.
Supply Chain Disruptions: The hospital's supply chain is critical to providing necessary goods and
services, and any disruption can impact the hospital's ability to provide care.
Infrastructure Failures: The failure of critical infrastructure, such as power, water, and
telecommunications, can disrupt hospital operations and impact the ability to provide patient
care.
Pandemics: Pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak can have a significant impact on hospital
operations and place a strain on the healthcare system, including shortages of medical supplies
and personnel.
Staffing Shortages: Staffing shortages due to illness, injury, or other factors can impact the
hospital's ability to provide care and maintain critical functions.
Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can result in fines, legal
action, and reputational damage, impacting the hospital's ability to maintain operations and
deliver patient care.
These threats can impact the effectiveness of a hospital's BCM program and should be
considered during the development and testing of the program. By understanding these threats
and their potential impact, hospitals can develop effective strategies and plans to maintain
critical functions and services during a disruption.
Overcoming the threats
To overcome the threats to a hospital's Business Continuity Management (BCM)
program, it is essential to develop and implement effective strategies and plans. Here are some
ways to overcome the common threats to a hospital's BCM program:
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Natural Disasters: Hospitals can prepare for natural disasters by conducting risk assessments,
developing emergency response plans, and maintaining emergency supplies and equipment.
The hospital can also consider relocating critical functions and services to alternate facilities
during a disaster.
Cybersecurity Threats: To protect against cybersecurity threats, hospitals should conduct
regular risk assessments, implement strong security measures, regularly back up critical data,
and develop a response plan in case of a cyber attack.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Hospitals can reduce the impact of supply chain disruptions by
identifying alternative suppliers, maintaining an adequate inventory of critical supplies, and
monitoring supply chain risks.
Infrastructure Failures: Hospitals can develop backup systems, such as backup generators and
communication systems, to ensure that critical functions and services can continue during an
infrastructure failure.
Pandemics: Hospitals can prepare for pandemics by developing and implementing an infectious
disease outbreak plan, maintaining adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE),
and establishing protocols for infection control.
Staffing Shortages: Hospitals can develop staffing contingency plans, such as cross-training and
identifying alternate sources of staff, to ensure that critical functions and services can continue
during staffing shortages.
Regulatory Compliance: Hospitals can maintain regulatory compliance by conducting regular
compliance assessments, developing policies and procedures to address regulatory
requirements, and conducting regular staff training and education.
By implementing these strategies and plans, hospitals can overcome the threats to their
BCM program and maintain critical functions and services during a disruption. Ongoing testing,
training, and maintenance of the BCM program can also help ensure that the hospital remains
prepared for potential threats.
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Roles of ICT in BCM

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a vital role in supporting
Business Continuity Management (BCM) in hospitals. Here are some of the roles of ICT in BCM:
 Data Management: ICT helps in the management and backup of critical data, such as
patient records and administrative data, ensuring that data is accessible and secure in
case of a disruption.
 Communications: ICT provides communication channels that are critical for effective
response and recovery. This includes communication between hospital staff,
stakeholders, and the public during a disruption.
 Remote Access: ICT allows hospital staff to access critical systems remotely, providing
flexibility and continuity in case of disruptions, such as pandemics or natural disasters.
 Business Process Automation: ICT can automate critical business processes, reducing the
impact of staffing shortages or other disruptions.
 Monitoring and Alerting: ICT can monitor critical systems and infrastructure, providing
alerts when problems arise and enabling timely response.
 Testing and Simulation: ICT can be used for testing and simulation of BCM plans, helping
to identify and address potential issues before they occur.
 Incident Management: ICT tools can be used for incident management and tracking,
enabling effective communication and coordination during a disruption.
ICT plays a critical role in supporting a hospital's BCM program, from data management and
communication to incident management and testing. By leveraging technology and ensuring
that systems are robust and resilient, hospitals can maintain critical functions and services
during a disruption.
Conclusion
Business Continuity Management (BCM) is a critical process for hospitals to ensure that
they can continue to provide essential services and patient care in the event of a disruption.
The success of a BCM program in a hospital depends on a variety of factors, including
leadership commitment, stakeholder engagement, and effective risk management.
VELIBOR BOŽIĆ RESEARCH PTOPOSAL

To build an effective BCM program, hospitals must conduct a thorough risk assessment, identify
critical functions and services, develop and test response and recovery plans, and ensure that
staff are trained and prepared to respond to a disruption. Additionally, hospitals must consider
potential threats to their BCM program, such as natural disasters, cybersecurity threats, and
pandemics, and develop strategies and plans to overcome these threats.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in supporting a
hospital's BCM program, providing data management, communication, remote access, business
process automation, monitoring and alerting, testing and simulation, and incident management
capabilities. By leveraging technology and ensuring that systems are robust and resilient,
hospitals can maintain critical functions and services during a disruption.
In conclusion, an effective BCM program is essential for hospitals to continue providing
high-quality patient care, maintain stakeholder confidence, and ensure regulatory compliance
during a disruption. By investing in a robust BCM program, hospitals can be better prepared to
withstand potential disruptions and emerge stronger in the aftermath.
References
Here are a few recent references related to Business Continuity Management in hospitals:
 WHO (2020). Hospital emergency response checklist: An all-hazards tool for hospital
administrators and emergency managers. World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/hospital-emergency-response-checklist-an-all-
hazards-tool-for-hospital-administrators-and-emergency-managers
 Lee, J. Y., & Lee, J. H. (2021). A business continuity plan for hospital information systems:
Focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 38(1), 37-
43. https://doi.org/10.1111/hir.12310
 Chandra, V., Bhattacharya, P., Nair, M., Venkatesh, P., & Sarvadevabhatla, R. K. (2020).
Business continuity planning for healthcare providers during COVID-19: Lessons learned.
Journal of Hospital Administration, 9(6), 97-103. https://doi.org/10.5430/jha.v9n6p97
 Williams, J., & Padmore, J. (2021). Business continuity planning: The importance of a
comprehensive approach for healthcare organizations. Journal of Healthcare
Management, 66(1), 22-30. https://doi.org/10.1097/JHM-D-19-00150
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 Halvorsen, P. A., & Stevens, M. J. (2021). Business continuity management and hospital
preparedness: A systematic review of the literature. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine,
36(3), 269-277. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X21000413
 Rangachari, P. (2020). Building a resilient healthcare system: Challenges and
opportunities. Journal of Hospital Administration, 9(2), 124-128.
https://doi.org/10.5430/jha.v9n2p124
 Bayram, J. D., & Zuiker, V. (2021). Enhancing emergency preparedness in healthcare: A
systematic review of the literature. Journal of Emergency Management, 19(1), 7-18.
https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2021.0544
 International Organization for Standardization. (2019). ISO 22301:2019 Societal security
— Business continuity management systems — Requirements.
https://www.iso.org/standard/75108.html
 Kandel, N., & Gupta, A. (2021). Developing a pandemic preparedness and response plan
for hospital operations: A case study. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency
Planning, 14(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3706695
 Mitchell, R. (2020). Business continuity management in the NHS. Journal of Business
Continuity & Emergency Planning, 14(1), 76-88. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3694506
 Bin Ghouth, A. S., & Almutairi, A. F. (2019). The role of healthcare workers in business
continuity management: A qualitative study. Disaster Medicine and Public Health
Preparedness, 13(2), 249-256. https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2018.19
 Sim, T., & Neumeier, S. (2019). Healthcare resilience: Roles of healthcare providers in a
large-scale emergency response. Journal of Emergency Management, 17(3), 167-177.
https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2019.0416
 Alonazi, N., Altuwaijri, M., & Zaidan, M. (2020). Investigating healthcare workers’
preparedness for business continuity management: A systematic review.
 Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 14(4), 557-563.
https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2019.98
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 Piller, M., & Neugebauer, E. (2019). Business continuity management: A proposed

model of roles and competencies for healthcare professionals. Journal of Healthcare
Risk Management, 39(1), 16-28. https://doi.org/10.1002/jhrm.21337
 Huang, C., Lin, C., & Wu, T. (2019). The role of healthcare workers in disaster
preparedness and response: An integrative review of the nursing literature.
International Journal of Nursing Studies, 92, 52-64.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.01.003

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