RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

DV 100 as a Framework for the Hospital Incident Command System

This study is investigating how hospitals set up their leadership and communication during emergencies. While others like the military and police use a formal system (DV 100) to manage crises, it's not clear how well this system works in hospitals. The study aims to understand if adopting this type of structured command system could improve how hospitals respond to serious incidents, ensuring smoother communication and decision-making when it matters most. Researchers will look at how this setup helps hospitals prepare for and handle things like disasters or big accidents. It's about finding the best way for hospitals to keep patients safe when things go wrong.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital Heidelberg

Enrolment target

Start

29 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2026

Disaster Crisis Response Plan Emergency Communication

What is this study about?

Imagine a big emergency, like a major accident or a fire in a city. Hospitals need to act quickly and be very organised to help everyone who needs it. This study is all about understanding the best way for hospitals to set up their teams and leadership during these challenging times.

Currently, there isn't much scientific information about the best organisational structure for hospitals when they face a crisis. Some experts suggest that hospitals could learn from systems used by emergency services like the military, fire brigade, and police, which have very clear chains of command and ways of communicating. This particular study is looking into one such system, known as DV 100, which provides a framework for how these organisations manage emergencies.

The main goal of this research is to see if this structured approach, similar to what the police or fire service use, can actually help hospitals manage emergencies better. Researchers want to understand how teams transition into this command system and, importantly, how communication flows within it during a crisis. It's about making sure that during an emergency, everyone in the hospital knows what they're doing and who they need to talk to, so that patient care remains the top priority.

Key takeaways

The study explores better hospital organisation during emergencies.
It investigates a structured command system (like the military uses) for hospitals.
The main focus is on improving communication and leadership during crises.
Participation involves an interview about your experiences.
This research hopes to make hospitals safer during difficult situations.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you must have already received training on how hospitals organise themselves during emergencies, and you might have also taken part in a practice drill or exercise.

You also need to be willing to give your written permission to participate in the second part of the study, which involves a short interview with the researchers.

Anyone who doesn't want to take part in the study will not be included. The study is open to adults aged 18 years and older, regardless of whether they are male or female.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you attended training on hospital emergency organisation?
Have you taken part in an emergency drill or exercise at a hospital?
Are you willing to discuss your experiences in an interview?
Do you consent to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve any medical treatments or changes to your hospital duties. If you meet the eligibility criteria, taking part would primarily involve providing your written consent to participate. The study is then focused on conducting a semi-structured interview with you. This interview will likely involve questions about your experiences and observations regarding how your hospital's command system works during emergencies, or after training/exercises. The researchers want to understand your insights into how communication and organisation happen in these situations. The total duration of your involvement would be limited to the time taken for the consent process and the interview itself.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no significant medical risks involved in taking part in this study, as it does not involve any medical interventions or changes to your current role. The potential benefits include contributing to a better understanding of how hospitals can improve their emergency response, which could ultimately lead to better patient care during crises. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your job or any aspect of your professional life.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Heidelberg
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main purpose of this study?

It's trying to find the best way for hospitals to set up their leadership and communication when big emergencies happen, like major accidents.

Will I have to take any new medicines or treatments?

No, this study is not about medicines or treatments. It's about how hospitals are organised during emergencies.

Is this study only for people in the military?

No, it's about seeing if a system similar to what the military, police, and fire services use could help hospitals.

What will I actually have to do if I join?

You'll be asked to provide consent and then participate in an interview where you share your experiences and thoughts on hospital emergency organisation.

Can I change my mind after I agree to join?

Yes, you can decide to stop participating at any time, and it won't affect anything.

How to find out more

Maik von der Forst, MD, MHBA, DESAIC

maik.forst@med.uni-heidelberg.de +49 6221 56264-60 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.