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Healthcare and Terrorism: The Lebanese Experience

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2021

Nooreddine Iskandar ,
Tatiana Rahbany  and
Ali Shokor
Nooreddine Iskandar
Affiliation:
Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
Tatiana Rahbany*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
Ali Shokor
Affiliation:
Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
*
Corresponding author: Tatiana Rahbany, Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks.

Methods:

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method.

Results:

The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented.

Conclusion:

The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.

Keywords

terrorismdisaster managementemergency responsehospital management
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , June 2022 , pp. 1073 - 1076
Copyright
© Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2021

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