Emergency Care Status, Priorities and Standards for the Pacific Region: A Multiphase Survey and Consensus Process Across 17 Different Pacific Island Countries and Territories

Background: Effective emergency care (EC) reduces mortality, aids disaster and outbreak response, and is necessary for universal health coverage. Surge events frequently challenge Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), where robust routine EC is required for resilient health systems. We aimed to describe the current status, determine priority actions and set minimum standards for EC systems development across the Pacific region.

Methods: We used a prospective, multiphase, expert consensus process to collect data from PICT EC stakeholders using focus groups, electronic surveys and panel review between August 2018 and April 2019. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, consensus agreement and graphic interpretation. We structured the research according to the World Health Organisation EC Systems and building block framework adapted for the Pacific context.

Findings: Over 200 participants from 17 PICTs engaged in at least one component of the multiphase process. Gaps in functional capacity exist in most PICTs for both facility-based and pre-hospital care. EC is a low priority across the Pacific and integrated poorly with disaster plans. Participants emphasised human resource support and government recognition of EC as priority actions, and generated 24 facility-based and 22 pre-hospital Pacific EC standards across all building blocks.

Interpretation: PICT stakeholders now have baseline indicators and a comprehensive roadmap for EC development within a globally recognised health systems framework. This study generates practical, context-appropriate tools to trigger further research, conduct evidence-based advocacy, drive future improvements and measure progress towards achieving universal health access for Pacific peoples.

Funding: Secretariat of the Pacific Community (partial).