A study on business continuity plans and disaster management at birth centers

Abstract

Purpose

The development of business continuity plans (BCP) at birth centers ensures the safety of the management and staff in the event of a disaster, and ensures the continuity and survival of midwifery services to protect the lives and health of mothers and children in the area. This study aimed to clarify the current situation regarding preparations for disasters by birth centers as well as to determine the pre-disaster status of BCP creation at birth centers in order to identify methods for promoting BCP creation.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study design, and an online survey using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire was conducted on midwifery managers at birth centers. The questionnaire contents were the attributes of the birth center, recognition and creation of a BCP, preparations for disasters at the birth center and correspondence during a disaster, and preparations and correspondence during an infectious disease outbreak such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Responses were received from 292 midwifery managers. Among them, 76.0% were not familiar with the term “BCP”. Furthermore, only 2.4% of birth centers had a BCP, 18.5% were preparing one, and 79.1% had none. Overall, only 18.2% of birth centers had actually developed a basic policy on disaster situations, even though they did not have a BCP. Most midwifery centers were taking measures to prepare for and respond to an outbreak of COVID-19.

Conclusion

Many of the birth centers did not know about BCP, and only a few had created BCPs. Although some birth centers have made preparations for disasters, it is clear that a more systematic response is needed for the continuation of operations during disasters. Further activities are needed to promote the establishment of a BCP at every birth center so that they can continuously provide care that meets the needs of mothers and children, even following a disaster.