biostudies-literatureUnknown16(2)Naru FS<h4>Objective</h4>Disasters can have a disproportionate impact on highly vulnerable hospitalised patients. Managers preparing hospital networks for disasters play an important role in enhancing networks' readiness by creating disaster plans and imparting that knowledge through training and simulation exercises. The objective of this research was to uncover how those working in disaster preparedness roles in Australian hospital networks perceived the challenges that they face while ensuring adequate preparation for disasters.<h4>Design</h4>A qualitative study design was employed which involved purposive sampling of Australian hospital network professionals responsible for disaster preparedness. Thematic analysis of data collected through individual online interviews generated prominent chalBMJ opene106500https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12927313biostudies-literatureDisaster preparedness of Australian hospital networks: a qualitative study with key actors.PMC12927313Churruca KLong JCSarkies MNBraithwaite JNaru FSfalseDisaster preparedness of Australian hospital networks: a qualitative study with key actors.<h4>Objective</h4>Disasters can have a disproportionate impact on highly vulnerable hospitalised patients. Managers preparing hospital networks for disasters play an important role in enhancing networks' readiness by creating disaster plans and imparting that knowledge through training and simulation exercises. The objective of this research was to uncover how those working in disaster preparedness roles in Australian hospital networks perceived the challenges that they face while ensuring adequate preparation for disasters.<h4>Design</h4>A qualitative study design was employed which involved purposive sampling of Australian hospital network professionals responsible for disaster preparedness. Thematic analysis of data collected through individual online interviews generated prominent chal2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-16T17:41:47.449Z2026-07-09T11:09:31.466ZS-EPMC129273134172451110.1136/bmjopen-2025-106500