Evaluating the capacity of tertiary general hospitals in Beijing to prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases: a delphi study.

BACKGROUND

The capacity of tertiary general hospitals to prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases plays a key role in effectively containing the spread of major epidemics within hospitals and ensuring early treatment for patients. This, in turn, helps control the transmission of diseases at the societal level and safeguard public health. However, there is a lack of detailed indicators for assessing hospitals' capacity in this area, which makes it difficult to evaluate and manage practices. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a comprehensive evaluation index system to assess the capabilities of tertiary general hospitals in preventing and treating respiratory infectious diseases.

METHODS

This study utilizes a three-dimensional evaluation model, "Structure-Process-Outcome" as the theoretical basis and first-level index of the indicator system for evaluating the abilities of tertiary general hospitals in preventing and treating respiratory infectious disease. A combination of literature review, semi-structured interviews, and Delphi expert consultation was employed to ensure comprehensive and reliable indicators. The hierarchical analysis method (AHP) was used to determine the weights of the indicators.

RESULTS

The effective response rates for the two rounds of the Delphi survey were 95.2% and 100%, respectively. The expert authority coefficients were 0.905 and 0.923, respectively. Kendall's W for the importance of all the indicators increased from 0.274 to 0.327 (P < 0.001), and for feasibility, it increased from 0.198 to 0.240 (P < 0.001). After two rounds of expert consultation, a final evaluation indicator system was established, including 3 first-level indicators, 12 s-level indicators, and 41 third-level indicators, with assigned weights.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes a comprehensive evaluation index system, providing a scientific basis for evaluating the capacity of tertiary general hospitals to prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases. The system provides valuable reference for improving hospital preparedness and response strategies, and for evaluating the infectious disease prevention and treatment system in Beijing, China.