Determining the Field Hospital Setting in Earthquake: Using RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method

Background: Dispatching field hospitals meeting the needs of the sufferers is the ideal response to disasters such as earthquakes. The aim of this study is determining the settings of such a field hospital. Methods: A twelve-member expert panel selected used the RAND Appropriateness Methodology to rate scenarios derived from best current evidence, and additional comments resulted from Nominal Group and Modified- Delphi Techniques. A 9-point rating scale was used that permits the categorization of the items as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate. A descriptive analysis was undertaken of the final results of the panel meeting. Results: Of extracted evidence categorised as items in six chapters, 72.90% was considered appropriate, 15.89% uncertain and 11.21% inappropriate. In the first round, agreement was found for 87.06% of the 85 items. Following discussion on divergent ratings, much higher agreement was achieved, reaching 93.46% of the 107 final items. Conclusion: Using RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, on the basis of the best current evidence, an expert panel assessed the items of Principal Tasks of Field Hospital, Staffing pattern and equipment as sufficient and appropriate in a multidisciplinary field hospital, developing updated and clear recommendations for rapid access to the setting of the field hospital in earthquakes.