Introduction: As healthcare advances, medical devices have become essential for diagnosis and treatment, making a reliable power supply necessary for their operation. The 2018 Hokkaido Earthquake demonstrated a surge in demand for treatments such as dialysis in disaster-based hospitals, leading to unexpected levels of emergency power usage. This highlighted the need for robust patient intake systems in both disaster-based hospitals and regional emergency hospitals. Additionally, the expansion of home healthcare has increased the need to accommodate ventilator-dependent patients during power outages, yet the rate of individualized evacuation planning remains low nationwide. To understand the current situation and develop future strategies, a survey was conducted in Okayama Prefecture to assess the preparedness of medical facilities regarding power-dependent devices and emergency response capabilities. Methods: A survey targeting hospitals in Okayama Prefecture was conducted using Google Forms. Data were gathered on emergency power availability, power outage response protocols, and the capacity to admit patients reliant on powered medical devices. Results: The survey was conducted in December 2023, achieving a response rate of 59% (93 out of 157 hospitals). Findings indicated that 87% of hospitals in Okayama had power-dependent devices. The continuity of emergency power varied significantly: 9% of facilities were uncertain, 41% had sufficient power for half a day, 15% for one day, 14% for two days, and 21% for three days. However, only 47% had established power outage response manuals. Additionally, only 34% of hospitals were prepared to accommodate home-based patients, relying primarily on manufacturers for necessary support. Conclusion: These results reveal gaps in disaster preparedness, especially in emergency power continuity and the ability to admit patients with power-dependent needs. Addressing these issues requires strengthening preparations in normal times by forecasting healthcare demands and balancing them with facility capabilities. Regional disaster preparedness should also be advanced through collaboration between industry, government, and academia.
Takahiro Hirayama (Sun,) studied this question.