There will be a lot healthcare systems can learn from Hawaii’s recent false alarm regarding an incoming missile.
Much of this will center around the relationship between system complexity, human error, and system failure – subject which all doctors understand. Some of it will also center around the term “Black Swan” events.
But here I would like to point out an opportunity.
Study the role that Twitter has played.
The initial Text message alert went out around 8:07 am; aound 10:19 am clarification of this mistake initially hit the airwaves via Twitter.
Twitter = Mobile = Information
Having grown up as a child in Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota in the 60’s (ground zero in a nuclear war with the Soviet Union) , and going through my well-practiced “hide under the desk” drills as a good 1st grader should), I doubt the value of Twitter to offer very much for a nuclear emergency.
But for other types of emergencies ( Earthquakes, Tornados, Hurricanes, Mass Shooting, Terrorist Alerts, …) Twitter could well be a healthcare organization’s and an individual doctors’s go to means of information.
Remember: Twitter = Mobile = Information.
Take a hard look at your Twitter use in the context of emergencies.
Do you have a Twitter List devoted to trusted emergency sources?
Do you have a system of communication for emergencies via Twitter?
Give it some thought.
Until then, enjoy being under your desk!