There is limited scientific research on the organizational structure of the Hospital Incident Command System. The Hospital Alarm and Emergency Planning manual by the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) recommends a continental staff system-based organization, as outlined in the Service Regulation DV 100, similar to military, fire, and police structures. This approach is frequently discussed at professional conferences, but evidence on its functionality in hospitals is lacking. This study aims to generate new insights into the use of a continental staff system-based Hospital Incident Command System and qualitatively analyze transition and communication processes within the command structure.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
This is an observational study with no interventions.
University Hospital Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Germany
RECRUITINGExploration of leadership communication and dynamics during the transition from routine clinical operations to an emergency situation
Assessed through semi-structured interviews based on Grounded Theory, a systematic method for developing theories through the analysis of qualitative data
Time frame: During the table-top exercise on May 26 and May 27, 2025.
Assessment of training and exercise effects within a structured (according to DV-100) hospital incident command system, including challenges, resistance, benefits, subjective participant experiences, potential improvements, and alternatives
Assessed through semi-structured interviews based on Grounded Theory, a systematic method for developing theories through the analysis of qualitative data
Time frame: During the table-top exercise on May 26 and May 27, 2025.
Examination of the applicability of the traditional incident command concept in hospitals, considering a workforce largely inexperienced in continental staff system-based work.
Assessed through semi-structured interviews based on Grounded Theory, a systematic method for developing theories through the analysis of qualitative data
Time frame: During the table-top exercise on May 26 and May 27, 2025.
Evaluation of participants' operational confidence
Assessed through semi-structured interviews based on Grounded Theory, a systematic method for developing theories through the analysis of qualitative data
Time frame: During the table-top exercise on May 26 and May 27, 2025.
Analysis of communication behaviors within the command functions
Assessed through semi-structured interviews based on Grounded Theory, a systematic method for developing theories through the analysis of qualitative data
Time frame: During the table-top exercise on May 26 and May 27, 2025.
Assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of a structured hospital incident command system
Assessed through semi-structured interviews based on Grounded Theory, a systematic method for developing theories through the analysis of qualitative data
Time frame: During the table-top exercise on May 26 and May 27, 2025.
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