INVESTIGATION ON THE MOBILITY OF PATIENTS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY IN HOSPITAL WARDS

Abstract

Mobility of the patients and number of ward staff available for disaster management in hospital ward are investigated in a large comprehensive hospital in Tokyo consisting of 1020 beds using the physical records of respective patients. The mobility ratios show high daily fluctuation, weak seasonal change and strong dependence on medical departments. Most of patients in pediatrics system, psychiatry, and cranial nerve need assisted evacuation at the event of fire. The investigation has revealed restriction of the number of ward staff at night, which may need extensive reorganization of emergency management.