Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Kim Sanders

Abstract

This qualitative case study examined patient distribution and coordination during complex, rapidly changing, uncertain emergencies or disasters. The study explored how Washington State’s Northwest Healthcare Response Network (NHRN) uses the state’s patient tracking system, WaTrac, as a collaboration tool for Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF 8) and public health emergency operations. This study used complexity theory to address a gap in the literature, acknowledging the importance of relationships among members of the NHRN and how the patient tracking system could enhance positive patient outcomes. This study included nine healthcare response participants; all were members of the NHRN healthcare coalition serving in multiple positions and disciplines with direct experience with patient tracking during the COVID-19 response. Manuscript One studied the patient tracking system as a communication and coordination tool between responding parties for patient load-balancing and distribution. Manuscript Two intentionally researched the healthcare coalitions' roles and responsibilities in coordination and collaboration and how it is interconnected to state government and its duties in patient distribution. Manuscript Three considered the local, state, and federal government’s roles in response and how miscommunication and lack of leadership can destabilize the response system from top to bottom. As the system utilizes its feedback loop processes, incorporating lessons learned could close the gaps revealed in these three manuscripts and establish an efficient and effective disaster health system to enhance national health security.

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