Citation

Hansen PM, Mikkelsen S, Rehn M. Disaster Med. Public Health Prep. 2023; 17: e482.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/dmp.2023.132

PMID

37681689

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe patterns and challenges in communication in sudden-onset major incidents.

METHODS: Systematic scoping review according to Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data sources included Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SweMed+, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Non-indexed literature was searched as well. The included literature went through data extraction and quality appraisal as per pre-registered protocol.

RESULTS: The scoping review comprised 32 papers from different sources. Communication breakdown was reported in 25 (78.1%) of the included papers. Inter-authority communication challenges were reported in 18 (56.3%) of the papers. System overload and incompatibility was described in 9 papers (28.1%). Study design was clearly described in 30 papers (93.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: The pattern in major incident communication is reflected by frequent breakdowns with potential and actual consequences for patient survival and outcome. The challenges in communication are predominantly inter-authority communication, system overload and incompatibility, and insufficient pre-incident planning and guidelines.

Language: en

Keywords

communication; disasters; major incidents; management and leadership