Leadership and hospital preparedness: disaster management and emergency services in pediatrics.

Background: : The purpose of this article is to describe the role of leadership in hospital preparedness in addressing the needs of pediatric patients in times of disaster and emergency.

Methods: : Descriptive article was derived from conference presentation of current practice by health care leaders.

Results: : Leadership is critical in emergency preparedness. Hospitals and other health care providers should consider special needs of pediatric patients in their planning, preparation, practice, and partnerships.

Conclusions: : Using a combination of regional, systems, and hospital approaches will yield more effective responses to disaster events.