Opportunities for augmenting regional preparedness through healthcare coalitions

A healthcare coalition (HCC) is a collaborative group in which various health-related organizations work together on issues that affect one another and their shared community. Because HCCs are comprised of a wide variety of health professions and organizations, they are logical entry points for shared learning among individuals with a common mission. Due in part to the Hospital Preparedness Program funding offered by the US Department of Health and Human Services, many – but not all – healthcare coalitions focus on disaster preparedness. In Spring 2013, a pilot study was conducted to identify opportunities for improved education and training of disaster health concepts through both federally and non-federally funded healthcare coalitions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine leaders of established HCCs in the United States. The study described each of the HCCs' disaster preparedness capabilities, provided education and training within the coalition, possibilities for improved education and training, the perceived ability to transition from daily to disaster mode, gaps and needs in staff education, and promising practices.