Developing a hospital preparedness checklist to assess the ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background During epidemics and pandemics, health systems, and especially hospitals, face many challenges in the management of patients and staff. Hospital preparedness measures are critical for hospitals to respond effectively to the admission and management of COVID-19 patients. Ministry of health policy for pandemics must cover the ability of hospitals to respond to COVID-19. Aims The aim of this study was to develop a checklist for evaluating the preparedness of hospitals to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We searched for and reviewed available evidence, including the literature and guidelines presented by related organizations. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, face-to-face interview was not possible so we used telephone and video connections, mobile applications and email for unstructured interviews. Checklist development was carried out by a multidisciplinary panel of experts. Results After applying the opinions of the experts, the final checklist had 2 main domains: measures at national and measures at hospital level. Preparedness at national level was categorized into 3 aspects that are implemented by the health ministry. Preparedness at hospital level was categorized in 24 subgroups. Conclusion Hospital preparedness for admission and management of COVID-19 patients is essential. A checklist for the assessment of hospital preparedness for COVID-19 patient management and hospital management was designed and developed. Our preparedness assessment checklist is an expanded tool that provides clear and practical guidance that can be adapted for any hospital admitting COVID-19 patients.