How often should health facilities review their disaster plans to ensure effectiveness?

Health facilities should review their disaster plans annually to ensure effectiveness. This annual review is essential for several reasons. First, it provides a systematic and structured approach to updating the plans based on the latest regulatory requirements, best practices, and technological advancements. Regular reviews are vital for integrating new learnings from drills, actual incidents, or changes in the facility's operations and environment.

These updates can significantly impact the facility's preparedness and response capabilities during an emergency, as they enable teams to identify any weaknesses or gaps in the existing plans. By conducting this review on an annual basis, facilities are better positioned to maintain a high level of readiness to protect patients, staff, and resources during a disaster.

Other options suggest more frequent or less frequent reviews. While it can be beneficial to have drills or checkpoints more often, an annual review strikes a balance that allows for comprehensive evaluations without overwhelming staff with constant changes or updates. Therefore, the choice for an annual review aligns with established best practices in disaster management and compliance.