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1- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Tehran, Iran
2- Health Management Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,alinasiri2@yahoo.com
2- Health Management Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Faculty of Health, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. ,
Abstract: (16 Views)
Background: Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural hazards, posing serious threats to public safety and urban infrastructure. Hospitals, as critical components of emergency response systems, are particularly vulnerable to seismic events. Their structural and operational fragility during earthquakes can severely disrupt healthcare delivery. This narrative review aims to explore the integration of Earthquake Early Warning Systems into hospital settings as a proactive strategy to enhance institutional resilience and ensure continuity of care during seismic emergencies.
Materials and Methods: Using a narrative review approach, this study synthesizes existing literature, technical reports, and case studies on Earthquake Early Warning Systems integration in hospitals. The search was conducted across major electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and ProQuest, as well as Iranian databases such as Magiran, CIVILICA, SID and IranDoc. Publications from 2000 to 2025 were screened, resulting in 5 final articles that met the inclusion criteria. The review examines current practices, successful implementations, and challenges across earthquake-prone regions to identify key strategies and gaps.
Results: Earthquake Early Warning Systems detect primary seismic waves and issue alerts before destructive secondary waves arrive, offering hospitals a brief but critical window to initiate protective actions. These may include securing equipment, safeguarding patients, and activating emergency protocols. Evidence from countries such as Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan shows that Earthquake Early Warning Systems can significantly reduce service disruptions and improve institutional readiness. However, barriers such as limited funding, lack of standardized protocols, and technological constraints hinder widespread adoption.
Conclusion: Integrating Earthquake Early Warning Systems into hospital systems presents a promising strategy for minimizing earthquake-related disruptions and safeguarding healthcare services. To ensure effective implementation, coordinated efforts are needed across policy, operational, and technological domains. The study recommends investing in interoperable technologies, developing clear guidelines, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to overcome existing limitations and promote resilience.
Materials and Methods: Using a narrative review approach, this study synthesizes existing literature, technical reports, and case studies on Earthquake Early Warning Systems integration in hospitals. The search was conducted across major electronic databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar and ProQuest, as well as Iranian databases such as Magiran, CIVILICA, SID and IranDoc. Publications from 2000 to 2025 were screened, resulting in 5 final articles that met the inclusion criteria. The review examines current practices, successful implementations, and challenges across earthquake-prone regions to identify key strategies and gaps.
Results: Earthquake Early Warning Systems detect primary seismic waves and issue alerts before destructive secondary waves arrive, offering hospitals a brief but critical window to initiate protective actions. These may include securing equipment, safeguarding patients, and activating emergency protocols. Evidence from countries such as Japan, Mexico, and Taiwan shows that Earthquake Early Warning Systems can significantly reduce service disruptions and improve institutional readiness. However, barriers such as limited funding, lack of standardized protocols, and technological constraints hinder widespread adoption.
Conclusion: Integrating Earthquake Early Warning Systems into hospital systems presents a promising strategy for minimizing earthquake-related disruptions and safeguarding healthcare services. To ensure effective implementation, coordinated efforts are needed across policy, operational, and technological domains. The study recommends investing in interoperable technologies, developing clear guidelines, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to overcome existing limitations and promote resilience.
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This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-By-NC), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
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