In 2018, the Emergency, Disasters and Ambulatory Transportation General Department at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia established hospital emergency planning and preparation units (HEPPUs) to improve hospitals’ ability to respond to disasters. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the functioning of HEPPUs within hospitals in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Qualitative research methodology and semistructured interviews with emergency managers were employed. Four key themes emerged from the data: establishment and evolution, roles and responsibilities, communication and coordination, and challenges and limitations. The findings emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, and responses to challenges in enhancing healthcare resilience and disaster management. This study contributes insights and offers practical recommendations for improving the preparedness and performance of HEPPUs within Saudi Arabian hospitals.

2018年，沙特阿拉伯卫生部紧急、灾害和流动交通总司成立了医院应急计划和准备单位（HEPPU），以提高医院应对灾害的能力。本研究旨在深入了解沙特阿拉伯西部地区医院内 HEPPU 的运作情况。采用了定性研究方法和对应急管理人员的半结构化访谈。数据中出现了四个关键主题：建立和演变、角色和责任、沟通和协调以及挑战和局限性。研究结果强调了跨学科合作、有效沟通和应对挑战对于增强医疗保健复原力和灾害管理的重要性。这项研究为改善沙特阿拉伯医院内 HEPPU 的准备和绩效提供了见解并提供了实用建议。