Barriers to and Facilitators of Inter-Organizational Coordination in Response to Disasters: A Grounded Theory Approach

Objective: Coordination is a major challenge in the field of health in disasters, mostly because of the complex nature of health-related activities. Methods: This was a qualitative study based on the grounded theory approach. A total of 22 experts in the field of health in disasters participated in the study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and literature review. The collected data were then analyzed by use of MAXQDA 2010 software (VERBI Software GmbH). Results: The lack of a strategic view in the field of health in disasters, a lack of coordination of necessities and infrastructures, insufficient enforcement, a higher priority given to an organizational approach rather than a national approach, and the field of disasters not being a priority in the health system were noted as barriers to inter-organizational coordination. The facilitators of inter-organizational coordination noted were the importance of public participation in the field of health in disasters, having a process and systematic view in the field of health in disasters, the necessity of understanding and managing resources and information in the field of health in disasters, and having a feedback and evaluation system in the health system after disasters. Conclusion: It is recommended that developing common beliefs and goals be given priority in making plans and policies in the field of health in disasters.