A study from Linköping University examined what makes hospital mass casualty plans effective in wartime. The researchers found that regular drills are crucial—without them, even well-designed plans are unlikely to hold up under real-world pressure.
The study also highlighted two other key factors. First, the plan itself must focus on staff safety, since caregivers cannot function if they are put at unnecessary risk. Second, planners need to take information flows into account, ensuring that communication works smoothly during chaotic conditions.
Together, these elements form a practical checklist for hospitals preparing for wartime scenarios. The findings suggest that readiness is not just about having a plan, but about practicing it, protecting the people who execute it, and designing clear pathways for information to move.