New Nurse Perceptions of Preparedness: Elements of Academic-Practice Gap

The education-practice gap, also known as the academic-practice gap is recognized as the difference between what a nursing student is taught and what the new nurse will experience in practice. This study evaluated specific education outcomes of schools of nursing in New Hampshire through surveys of new nurses and their employers. The responses were explored in relation to identified factors such as curriculum and clinical hours. The findings suggest that the new nurses felt prepared for practice, except in relationship to provision of care and medication administration for six or more patients. Of note is that 61% percent of participants were involved in errors and of these, 37.5% indicated that their education did not prepare them to administer medications to large groups. Evaluation of employer responses points to at least one and sometimes two levels of lower perception of perceived preparedness by the employer. The results highlight the differences between perceptions of preparedness of new nurse and employer, differences in perception of preparedness based on program type for specific gap elements, and the high rate of errors among new nurses. These results underscore the need for further research regarding the education practice gap, error factors, perceptions of preparedness for practice, and practice-readiness expectations of employers.

Preparedness training programs improved the emergency response and crucial outcomes among nursing students:a scoping review

Objective:The study aims to review and discuss the outcomes of emergency preparedness training programs among nursing students.Methods:A scoping review was conducted based on the guidelines of Arskey and O’Malley.Databases through PubMed,Science Direct,and Google Scholar were used to obtain the relevant articles within the scoping review.Results:The researchers found 1175 articles.After manual review,28 articles were identified and assessed.The review reported that the emergency preparedness training program significantly affects preparedness,knowledge,performance,self-efficacy,learning motivation,self-confidence,satisfaction,critical decision-making,and problem-solving.Conclusions:Emergency training effectively increases knowledge,skills,confidence,satisfaction,and team performance.

The role of hazard vulnerability assessments in disaster preparedness and prevention in China

China is prone to disasters and escalating disaster losses. Effective disaster mitigation is the foundation for efficient disaster response and rescue and for reducing the degree of hazardous impacts on the population. Vulnerability refers to the population's capacity to anticipate, cope with, and recover from the impact of a hazardous event. A hazard vulnerability assessment(HVA) systematically evaluates the damage that could be caused by a potential disaster, the severity of the impact, and the available medical resources during a disaster to reduce population vulnerability and increase the capacity to cope with disasters. In this article, we summarized HVA team membership, content(disaster identification, probability and consequences), and methods and procedures for an HVA that can be tailored to China's needs. We further discussed the role of epidemiology in an HVA. Disaster epidemiology studies the underlying causes of disasters to achieve effective disaster prevention and reduction. In addition, we made several recommendations that are already in practice in developed countries, such as the U.S., for future implementation in China and other developing countries. An effective HVA plan is crucial for successful disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: how countries shouldbuild more resilient health systems for preparedness and response

Objective: A resilient health system plays a crucial role in pandemic preparedness and response. Althoughthe World Health Organization (WHO) has required all states parties to strengthen core capacities to respondto public health emergencies under the International Health Regulations (2005), the actions of most countriesto combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has showed that they are not well-prepared. This crosssectionalstudy aimed to examine the health system resilience of selected countries and analyze their strategiesand measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This study selected five countries including the Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea (South Korea), the U.K.,and the U.S., based on the severity of the national epidemic, the geographical location, and the developmentlevel. Cumulative number of death cases derived from WHO COVID-19 dashboard was used to measure theseverity of the impact of the pandemic in each country;WHO State Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR)Scores and Global Health Security (GHS) Index were applied to measure the national health system resilience;and research articles and press materials were summarized to identify the strategies and measures adopted bycountries during response to COVID-19. This study applied the resilient health systems framework to analyzehealth system resilience in the selected countries from five dimensions, including awareness, diversity, selfregulation,integration and adaptation.Results: The SPAR Scores and GHS Index of the four developed countries, Japan, South Korea, the U.K. and theU.S. were above the global and regional averages;the SPAR Scores of Iran were above the global average whilethe GHI Index lain below the global average. In terms of response strategies, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. investedmore health resources in the treatment of severe patients, while South Korea and Iran had adopted a strategyof extensive testing and identification of suspected patients. In terms of specific measures, all the five countriesadopted measures such as restrictions on entry and international travel, closure of schools and industries,lockdown and quarantine. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of implementing these measures varied acrosscountries, based on the response strategies.Conclusion: Although SPAR Scores and GHS Index have evaluated the national core capacities for preparednessand response, the actions to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fact that most countries stilldo not build resilient health systems in response to public health emergencies. Health system strengtheningand health security efforts should be pursued in tandem, as part of the same mutually reinforcing approach todeveloping resilient health systems.

The Global Impact of the Zika Virus Pandemic: The Importance of Emergency Preparedness

The 2015 outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil led to a significant increase of neonatal microcephaly. While Zika virus was identified in Africa in the 1940s and was noted to be present in Asia, it was not until 2007 that there was a significant shift in the behavior of the virus. Reasons for this change in Zika virus behavior and pathogenesis could be due to a change in the virulence of the virus, and a new ability to infect the human host. Additionally, the changing habitat of mosquitoes along with increasing urbanization and changes of human habitats has increased the risk of Zika virus exposure. This review summarizes the response to the Zika pandemic and recommendations for interventions through the lens of the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction. Emergency preparedness focuses on lessening the likelihood and the impact of disasters. Preparedness encompasses the actions of mitigation, prevention, response, and recovery.

Evaluation and Analysis of Hospital Disaster Preparedness in Jeddah

Introduction: Disaster damage to health systems is a human and health tragedy, results in huge economic losses, deals devastating blows to development goals, and shakes social confidence. Hospital disaster preparedness presents complex clinical operation. It is difficult philosophical challenge. It is difficult to determine how much time, money, and effort should be spent in preparing for an event that may not occur. Health facilities whether hospitals or rural health clinics, should be a source of strength during emergencies and disasters. They should be ready to save lives and to continue providing essential emergencies and disasters. Jeddah has relatively a level of disaster risk which is attributable to its geographical location, climate variability, topography, etc. This study investigates the hospital disaster preparedness (HDP) in Jeddah. Methods: Questionnaire was designed according to five Likert scales. It was divided into eight fields of 33 indicators: structure, architectural and furnishings, lifeline facilities’ safety, hospital location, utilities maintenance, surge capacity, emergency and disaster plan, and control of communication and coordination. Sample of six hospitals participated in the study and rated to the extent of disaster preparedness for each hospital disaster preparedness indicators. Two hazard tools were used to find out the hazards for each hospital. An assessment tool was designed to monitor progress and effectiveness of the hospitals’ improvement. Weakness was found in HDP level in the surveyed hospitals. Disaster mitigation needs more action including: risk assessment, structural and non-structural prevention, and preparedness for contingency planning and warning and evacuation. Conclusion: The finding shows that hospitals included in this study have tools and indicators in hospital preparedness but with lack of training and management during disaster. So the research shed light on hospital disaster preparedness. Considering the importance of preparedness in disaster, it is necessary for hospitals to understand that most of hospital disaster preparedness is built in the hospital system.

How People Use Earthquake Information and Its Influence on Household Preparedness in New Zealand

Forty-eight interviews were undertaken with residents in Timaru, Wanganui and Napier, New Zealand, in 2008 to explore how people understand and use information about earthquake hazards and preparedness, and how this process affects actual preparedness. Three main types of information were identified as being utilized by people： passive information （e.g., newspapers, brochures, TV, radio, websites）, interactive information （e.g., community activities, school activities~ and workplace activities）, and experiential information （e.g., experiencing a hazardous event, responding to an event, and working in an organization that deals with hazards）. People tended to either contextualize hazard and preparedness information around any prevailing beliefs they had or form new beliefs on exposure to information. A number of core beliefs were identified as crucial for helping people consider that preparing is important and motivating actual adjustment adoption. Society also has an influence on how people interpret information and form intentions to prepare. People are often influenced by the opinions of others, and as preparing for disasters is not seen as a societal norm, this can cause people not to prepare. Feeling a responsibility for others （e.g., children） appears to be a major driver of preparedness. Other societal factors such as trust, leadership and sense of community also influence interpretation, dissemination and use of hazards and preparedness information. Finally, a number of resource issues can help or hinder preparedness.

博物馆手册类文本汉译策略——以Guidelines for Disaster Preparedness in Museums为例

博物馆安全是博物馆工作的重中之重,博物馆的安全为保障博物馆正常运转发挥重要作用。自2019年新冠肺炎疫情暴发以来,博物馆面临的安全形势十分严峻,主要表现为应急措施匮乏、灾害防范不到位以及管理体制不完善等问题。这给全球博物馆的发展带来了新的安全挑战,为博物馆安全提出了更高的要求,如何预防与应对博物馆突发事件成为博物馆安全的重要任务。该文选取了一篇国际博物馆协会官方发布的国际通用手册Guidelines for Disaster Preparedness in Museums为研究对象,从词汇、句法及篇章三个方面分析博物馆手册类文本的特点,归纳三种翻译策略,以期促进我国博物馆健康发展,为博物馆手册文本的翻译研究贡献绵薄之力。

Birth preparedness and complication readiness among postnatal mothers in Malawi

This study was conducted to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness among postnatal mothers at Khombedza Health Centre in Salima District, Malawi. The study design was descriptive cross sectional and utilized qualitative data collection and analysis method on a random sample of 15 postnatal mothers. A semi structured questionnaire was used to assess birth preparedness and complication readiness among the postnatal mothers during their most recent pregnancy and child birth. The findings indicate that overall, all the mothers had attended antenatal care and were aware of the importance of seeking health facility delivery. The mothers were also conversant with the items to bring with them during labour and delivery. Results further show that the participants had some knowledge of danger signs during postpartum and also for the new born baby but had limited knowledge of danger signs during antenatal, labour and delivery. Although the mothers had planned to deliver at the hospital, they did not save money for transport. There is therefore a need to strengthen antenatal care education on birth preparedness and complication readiness. Such knowledge would assist pregnant mothers to identify danger signs during antenatal, labour and delivery and therefore seek emergency obstetric care on time to minimize maternal and neonatal mortalities.

Nurses’ Role in Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) promotes timely information and utilization of skilled health attendance/services to pregnant women to prevent complications due to 3 delays that lead to maternal deaths. Objective: To determine nurses’ role in birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar. Methods: This study adopted a survey research design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 80 participants working in antenatal clinic, antenatal ward, gynecological ward, labour ward, postnatal ward, and Family planning unit. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and Pearson Moment Product Correlation Coefficient statistical methods of data analysis. Results: Findings of the study revealed that 53 (66.3%) of the respondents acknowledged nurse/midwives responsibility for the health education of mothers on dangers of pregnancy while 42 (52.5%) strongly agreed that nurses/midwives carry out discussion on plan for delivery with mothers. The study hypothesized that there is no significant relationship between the role of nurse/midwives and the practice of BPCR among pregnant women. The correlational analysis result that there is no revealed (r-cal = 0.67, r-crit = 0.58, df = 79, P > 0.05) thus rejecting the hypothesis statement as r-calculated was greater than r-critical. This implies that the role of nurse/midwives have very strong positive relationship with the practice of BPCR among pregnant women. Conclusion: Positive pregnancy outcome depends on nurse/midwives independent and interdependent roles to prevent delays, emergencies, have access to skilled care.

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Classes at Primary Health Center in Ibadan, Nigeria

Maternal mortality has been reported to be a challenge globally, with the highest maternal mortality in Africa. However, the first target for the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. To achieve this goal, pregnant women’s knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) is a key. Therefore, this study set out to assess knowledge of birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women attending antenatal classes. This pilot study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design using quantitative approach. Structured questionnaire was used to generate data from 46 respondents after obtaining ethical approval for the study. All data collected were adequate for data analysis. The mean age is 27.71 years with a standard deviation of 5.85, the average booking time was 4.69 months. Among the respondents who had given birth before, the average number of children was two children (1.8571). After categorizing the knowledge scores, 52.2% of the women have good knowledge of obstetric danger signs, 20 (43.5%) of the women have poor knowledge of BPCR and 32 (69.6%) of the respondents have good knowledge of skilled birth attendants. In conclusion, there is a need to formulate policies and strategies that will help to improve pregnant women’s knowledge of BPCR if the first target of the third SDG will be achieved.

Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness in Uttar Pradesh, India

The objective of this study is to investigate the subject of birth preparedness and complication readiness to tackle the obstetric complications. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is studied based on husband’s response. Emergency birth preparedness has been promoted to address delays in seeking skilled care at birth. However, little evidence is available for birth preparedness and its key covariates. Therefore, to examine the level of birth preparedness, this study has used primary data collected from the selected district of Uttar Pradesh. The information in this study may be valuable to Indian health policy makers and programme implementers who wish to lower the prevailing high maternal mortality in the country. This paper is based on the primary data collected from 33 husbands of deceased women and 150 husbands of surviving mothers from one selected district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Birth preparedness and complication readiness is measured using series of questions. The husbands were asked whether they followed the following key desired steps while their wife was pregnant with last child: 1) thinking about the measures to be taken in case of life danger;2) being aware about the delivery date of wife;3) saving money for meeting delivery expenses;4) discussing plans with close family members;5) keeping ready clean cotton and other necessities;6) identifying a hospital to go in case of emergency;7) arranging transportation and 8) arranging dai/doctor. Taking at least five steps were considered being well-prepared. Frequency distribution and cross tabulation analysis were done and logistic regression model was applied to understand independent effect of key covariates. Proportion test and t-test were also applied to check the statistical significance in two groups. It was found that different steps of birth preparedness were not planned in case of all pregnancies. Many respondents did not take any step about birth preparedness or they prepared only for few steps only. Findings from logistic regression suggest that controlling the effect of other covariates, if wife registered her name with any hospital or doctor for antenatal care (ANC), the level of preparedness was significantly higher compared to those who were not registered for ANC services. Similarly, the husbands who reported that men should get involved in deciding the place of delivery were significantly positively associated with well birth preparedness.

Influence of Institutional Support on Lecturers＇ Preparedness for E-learning at the University of Nairobi, Kenya

Institutional support is an essential antecedent for lecturer＇s preparedness for e-learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of institutional support through appropriate training programs and budgetary allocation on lecturers＇ preparedness for e-learning at the University of Nairobi. A cross-sectional survey design was applied to source data from 212 lecturers and 96 administrative staff. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were applied to process, analyze, and interpret the data. Quantitative analysis yielded descriptive statistics as well as cross tabulations with Chi-square （x^2） statistic. The study found lack of significant relationship between lecturer＇s preparedness for e-learning and knowledge of the existence of an Information and Communication Technology （ICT） training program. The existing training program was still underdeveloped in terms of funding and strategies. Lecturers＇ preparedness for e-learning was also not significantly associated with perceived effectiveness of the existing training program; but was significantly related to training in software tools, as well as the source of funding for training. Although a team of ICT experts has been mandated to help academic staff prepare for e-learning, the team＇s functionality was constrained by under-funding and multiple roles. Lecturer＇s preparedness for e-learning also significantly associated with perceived adequacy of budgetary allocation for ICT program at the departmental level. Under-funding was a key factor constraining access to computers at the workplace, reliable internet connectivity and timely technical support, all of which significantly associated with lecturers＇ preparedness for e-learning. Universities in resource-poor settings should consider creating necessary partnerships to create avenues for information and resource sharing, revamp existing training programs with fmancial and human resources, create linkages with funding institutions, as well as improve budgetary allocation to ensure universal access to functional computers at the workplace, reliable internet connectivity and timely technical support.

National preparedness training and exercises for Ebola cases in the United Kingdom

In response to the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa, the Emergency Response Department of Public Health England produced a series of training and exercising materials to help prepare health and partner organisations in England and other jurisdictions in the United Kingdom deal with a possible case of Ebola in the United Kingdom. They were produced with input from health(NHS England, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales) and other partner organisations. The exercising materials have been used by colleagues working in national and local level organisations in the United Kingdom and other countries in the European Union. Presented here is a description of these training and exercising materials and how they were delivered to the end user.

Socio-Demographic and Maternal Determinants of Birth Preparedness among Pregnant Women Seeking Skilled Birth Services at a Rural General Hospital, Mid Western Uganda

Background: Although the practice of preparing for childbirth among pregnant women is associated with 24.0% and 53.0% reduction in neonatal and maternal mortality respectively in low income countries, it remains inadequately practiced in Uganda. This study sought to assess socio-demographic and maternal determinants of birth preparedness among pregnant women at one of the rural hospitals in Uganda. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among 332 pregnant women in first stage of normal labour between April and May 2017 at Kagadi hospital, mid western Uganda. In order to understand socio-demographic and maternal determinants of birth preparedness, we considered overall level of birth preparedness as our dependent variable and determined it using five elements. Data were collected using a researcher administered questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics to understand characteristics of respondents and multivariable logistic regression model to determine factors associated with birth preparedness. Results: Only 94 (28.3%) of the 332 pregnant women who were included in the study were prepared for childbirth. We found that male partners having secondary level of education (aOR 1.86, CI 1.107 - 3.243, p 0.02), discussing birth plan with spouse (aOR 1.97, CI 1.06 - 3.490, p 0.03), monthly income of at least eighty three dollars (aOR 2.98, CI 1.847 - 5.981, p 0.002), being escorted by the spouse during ANC visit (aOR 1.73, CI 1.010 - 2.964, p 0.04), intention to conceive (aOR 1.99, CI 1.087 - 3.65, p 0.026) and being health educated about birth preparedness during antenatal visit (aOR 1.90, CI 1.006 - 3.59, p 0.048) were associated with birth preparedness. Conclusion and Recommendations: We observed that the level of birth preparedness among respondents was associated with many socio-demographic and maternal factors. To scale up birth preparedness in rural settings, we recommend improving household financial income, reducing contraceptive unmet needs, male involvement and health education services to couples during antenatal visits.

Preparedness of Swedish EMS Personnel for Major Incidents in Underground Mines

The purpose of this study was to survey the EMS （emergency medical services） personnel preparedness for major incidents in the underground mining industry in Sweden. Every year, a high number of incidents, workplace accidents and fires are reported from the Swedish mining industry. Taking care of patients located in an underground mine represents a challenge to EMS personnel. Today, knowledge about EMS personnel preparedness for major incidents in the mining industry is limited. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. The questionnaires were distributed to EMS personnel working in ambulance stations geographically located near an underground mine. Thirteen ambulance stations were included and 137 of 258 personnel answered. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Differences among groups were analyzed with the Chi-Squared test, continuity correction and t-test. Results showed about half of the participants reported that they do not feel prepared to work in a major incident in an underground mine. The majority wished to receive educational training to enhance their preparedness. The most commonly requested type of education was practical drills on the scene, in an underground mine. The reported preparedness was significantly higher among the participants who had received some kind of education, or had authentic experience of a mission in an underground mine than those who did not. This study reveals shortcomings in the preparedness of EMS personnel. The perceived low preparedness of EMS personnel may affect their ability to work in a major incident in the mining industry. Study findings may be used in planning the future education, including practical drills, of EMS personnel.

Earthquake Science and Technology as Well as Preparedness and Reduction of Earthquake Disaster in China

This paper systematically presents the state-of-the-art of preparedness and reduction of earthquake disasters in China. It contains abundant information on the goal, policy, working links, administrative organizations, and main scientific and technological approaches for earthquake disaster reduction in this country. The focus is placed on "taking science and technology as the foundation" and "management based on legal system."

National preparedness survey of pediatric intensive care units with simulation centers during the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus disease pandemic caught many pediatric hospitals unpreparedand has forced pediatric healthcare systems to scramble as they examine and planfor the optimal allocation of medical resources for the highest priority patients.There is limited data describing pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) preparednessand their health worker protections.AIMTo describe the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preparedness effortsamong a set of PICUs within a simulation-based network nationwide.METHODS A cross-sectional multi-center national survey of PICU medical director(s) fromchildren’s hospitals across the United States. The questionnaire was developedand reviewed by physicians with expertise in pediatric critical care, disasterreadiness, human factors, and survey development. Thirty-five children’shospitals were identified for recruitment through a long-established nationalresearch network. The questions focused on six themes: (1) PICU and medicaldirector demographics;(2) Pediatric patient flow during the pandemic;(3)Changes to the staffing models related to the pandemic;(4) Use of personalprotective equipment (PPE);(5) Changes in clinical practice and innovations;and(6) Current modalities of training including simulation.RESULTSWe report on survey responses from 22 of 35 PICUs (63%). The majority of PICUswere located within children’s hospitals (87%). All PICUs cared for pediatricpatients with COVID-19 at the time of the survey. The majority of PICUs (83.4%)witnessed decreases in non-COVID-19 patients, 43% had COVID-19 dedicatedunits, and 74.6% pivoted to accept adult COVID-19 patients. All PICUsimplemented changes to their staffing models with the most common changesbeing changes in COVID-19 patient room assignment in 50% of surveyed PICUsand introducing remote patient monitoring in 36% of the PICU units. Ninety-fivepercent of PICUs conducted training for donning and doffing of enhanced PPE.Even 6 months into the pandemic, one-third of PICUs across the United Statesreported shortages in PPE. The most common training formats for PPE werehands-on training (73%) and video-based content (82%). The most commonconcerns related to COVID-19 practice were changes in clinical protocols andguidelines (50%). The majority of PICUs implemented significant changes in theirairway management (82%) and cardiac arrest management protocols in COVID-19patients (68%). Simulation-based training was the most commonly utilizedtraining modality (82%), whereas team training (73%) and team dynamics (77%)were the most common training objectives.CONCLUSIONSA substantial proportion of surveyed PICUs reported on large changes in theirpreparedness and training efforts before and during the pandemic. PICUsimplemented broad strategies including modifications to staffing, PPE usage,workflow, and clinical practice, while using simulation as the preferred trainingmodality. Further research is needed to advance the level of preparedness,support staff assuredness, and support deep learning about which preparednessactions were effective and what lessons are needed to improve PICU care andstaff protection for the next COVID-19 patient waves.

Airway management training program for nurses via online course in COVID-19 preparedness

BACKGROUND Nursing officers are an integral component of any medical team.They participate in taking care of basic airway management and assist in advanced airway management,specifically amidst the current coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.AIM To assess the efficacy of a standardized web-based training module for nurses in preparedness to fight against COVID-19.METHODS The training was held in three sessions of 1 h each,consisting of live audio-visual lectures,case scenarios,and skill demonstrations.The sequence of airway equipment,drug preparation,airway examination,and plans of airway management was demonstrated through mannequin-based video-clips.RESULTS Pre-and post-test scores as well as objective structured clinical examination scores were analyzed using Student’s t-test and the Likert scale was used for feedback assessment.It was found that the mean score out of the total score of 20 was 8.47±4.2 in the pre-test,while in the post-test it was 17.4±1.8(P value<0.001).The participants also felt self-reliant in executing the roles of airway assistant(63.3%)and drug assistant(74.3%).Fear of self-infection with COVID-19 was also high,as 66%of participants feared working with the patient’s airway.CONCLUSION Amidst this COVID-19 emergency,when the health care systems are being persistently challenged,training of nursing staff in the safe conduct of airway management can ensure delivery of life-saving treatment.

Overview of Earthquake Preparedness and Disaster Mitigation in China1

As an earthquake-prone country, China has made sustained efforts in the study of earthquakes and disaster mitigation during the past several decades, with China Seismological Bureau (CSB) as the backbone of these efforts. Working towards this purpose, a series of key projects were implemented in the “Ninth Five-Year Plan” (1995-2000) to upgrade earthquake monitoring systems and to improve the supporting infrastructure, significant results in earthquake science were achieved. In the new century, we have worked out a blueprint for earthquake preparedness and disaster mitigation in the “Tenth Five-Year Plan”, which emphases 3 systems (i.e. Seismic Monitoring & Prediction, Seismic Hazards Prevention, Emergency Response), and 10 key projects in earthquake science and technology.