A2.13

Question 2

what are some examples of external factors that may have an impact on the healthcare sector?

Answer 2

• epidemic, pandemic, endemic outbreaks
• extreme weather
• changes to infrastructure (e.g. building)
• geological events
• government policy (e.g. covid vaccination programme)

Question 3

what is an epidemic and an example of?

Answer 3

a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease in a number of people at the same time.
- e.g. Ebola or Zika virus

Question 4

what is a pandemic and an example of?

Answer 4

a worldwide spread of an infectious disease.
- e.g. Spanish Flu or COVID-19

Question 5

what is an endemic disease and an example of?

Answer 5

diseases or conditions regularly found among a particular group or in a particular area.
- e.g. malaria

Question 6

what are the impacts of external factors on the healthcare sector?

Answer 6

• service overload
• insufficient staff resources
• inaccessible services
• damage to facilities
• additional resource requirements
• effect on supply chain (cost and delivery)
• contingency plan implementation requirements

Question 7

what may a disaster recovery plan for a hospital cover?

Answer 7

• communications (notifying hospitals)
• resources and equipment (extra supplies in case)
• safety and security (police may become involved, e.g. controlling who enters and leaves the hospital)
• staff need to know what to do
• utilities (e.g. ensuring oxygen tanks are sufficient)

Question 8

what is the impact of extreme weather?

Answer 8

• HOT: older people and those with conditions such as heart disease will become unwell if not kept cool and hydrated
• COLD: increase risk of hypothermia

Question 9

what is the impact of infrastructure?

Answer 9

• maintenance on old hospitals may cause limitations on the services offered
• certain types of care and treatment may not be available in all areas because of a lack of facilities
• power faulted and water shortages could result in care setting having to be evacuated
• major incidents, like a car crash, could prevent movement of supplies or people in many regions

Question 10

what is the impact of geological events?

Answer 10

• FLOODS: rescue from homes and treated for injuries or hypothermia
• FIRE: eruption of Mount Nyiragongo volcano, thousands had to leave homes