Introduction

In the critical and fast-paced world of healthcare, maintaining uninterrupted patient care and operational integrity is not just a goal—it is a fundamental necessity. Healthcare facilities face a unique array of risks, from natural disasters and technological failures to cyberattacks and infectious disease outbreaks, all of which can severely disrupt services and compromise patient safety. This comprehensive training course is designed to equip healthcare leaders, administrators, and emergency management teams with the essential knowledge and practical tools to develop, implement, and maintain robust business continuity plans that safeguard operations, protect assets, and ensure the delivery of high-quality care, even in the face of adversity.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of risk management frameworks, master business impact analysis, and refine their ability to lead with preparedness and resilience. You will learn to create actionable plans for a variety of threats, establish effective crisis communication strategies, and build a culture of preparedness throughout your organization. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your facility's capacity to navigate disruptions, minimize downtime, and secure its reputation as a trusted and resilient provider of care.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Hospital and Clinic Administrators
• Healthcare Facility Managers
• Emergency Preparedness Coordinators
• Risk Management Professionals
• IT and Cybersecurity Staff
• Supply Chain and Logistics Managers
• Nursing and Clinical Leadership
• Public Health Officials
• Quality and Patient Safety Officers
• Human Resources Managers

Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of business continuity and resilience in a healthcare context.
• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and business impact analysis for a healthcare facility.
• Develop a detailed and actionable business continuity plan (BCP).
• Create effective crisis communication and emergency response protocols.
• Learn strategies for protecting critical patient data and IT systems.
• Establish a robust supply chain and resource management plan for disruptions.
• Understand the regulatory and compliance requirements for healthcare continuity planning.
• Design and execute realistic drills and exercises to test the BCP.
• Develop a program for ongoing maintenance and improvement of the BCP.

Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Business Continuity in Healthcare

• Defining business continuity and its importance for patient care and safety.
• Understanding the unique risks and challenges faced by healthcare facilities.
• Key concepts: business impact analysis (BIA), risk assessment, and recovery strategies.
• The role of leadership in championing a culture of preparedness.
• Case studies of healthcare disruptions and best-practice responses.

Module 2: Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis (BIA)

• Identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and their potential impact on operations.
• Techniques for conducting a thorough risk assessment specific to healthcare.
• Methodologies for performing a business impact analysis to prioritize critical functions.
• Determining recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO).
• Involving key stakeholders in the risk assessment and BIA process.

Module 3: Developing the Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

• Creating a structured BCP document with clear roles and responsibilities.
• Strategies for developing recovery plans for critical clinical and administrative services.
• Establishing command and control structures for a crisis response.
• Writing clear, concise procedures for emergency activation and deactivation.
• Integrating the BCP with other facility plans like disaster and emergency response.

Module 4: Emergency Response and Crisis Communication

• Developing a systematic and coordinated emergency response plan.
• Creating internal and external communication strategies for stakeholders.
• Managing public perception and media relations during a crisis.
• The importance of a clear chain of command and delegation of authority.
• Practical exercises in communicating effectively under pressure.

Module 5: IT Disaster Recovery and Data Protection

• Identifying mission-critical IT systems and data assets.
• Designing a disaster recovery plan for electronic health records (EHR) and other systems.
• Implementing backup strategies and offsite data storage.
• Protecting against cyber threats, ransomware, and data breaches.
• The role of technology in enabling remote work and alternative care delivery.

Module 6: Supply Chain and Resource Management

• Strategies for diversifying and securing the healthcare supply chain.
• Managing inventory of critical medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment.
• Planning for alternative suppliers and logistics during a disruption.
• Allocating human resources and managing staff welfare during emergencies.
• Coordinating with external partners and emergency services.

Module 7: Testing, Maintenance, and Program Management

• The importance of a regular schedule for testing the BCP.
• Designing and conducting drills, tabletop exercises, and full-scale simulations.
• Evaluating test results to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
• Establishing a governance structure for ongoing BCP maintenance and updates.
• Embedding business continuity planning into the organization's culture and operations.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.