Implementation of the Hospital Incident Command System during COVID-19 Pandemic; Experience from an Iranian Reference Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: There is growing popularity of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) as an organizational tool for hospital management in the COVID-19 pandemic. We specifically describe implementation of HICS at the Isfahan province reference hospital (Isabn-e-Maryam) during the COVID-19 pandemic and try to explore performance of it. Methods: To document the actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, standard, open-ended interviews were conducted with individuals occupying activated HICS leadership positions during the event. A checklist based on the job action sheets of the HICS was used for performance assessment. Results: With the onset of the pandemic, hospital director revised ICS structure that adheres to span of better control of COVID-19. Methods of expanding hospital inpatient capacity to enable surge capacity were considered. The highest performance score was in the field of planning. Performance was intermediate in Financial/Administration section and good in other fields. Discussion: In the current COVID-19 pandemic, establishing HICS with some consideration about long-standing events can help improve communication, resource use, staff and patient protection, and maintenance of roles.

Keywords: COVID-19; Hospital; hospital incident command system.