A Comparative SWOT Analysis of Hospital Management Protocols for Radiation Accidents in Türkiye and Japan

Background: The situation in which radiation emerges uncontrollably is referred to as a radiation accident. Radiation accidents constitute emergencies that can have severe impacts on public health. Therefore, it is of critical importance for hospitals providing healthcare services to be adequately prepared for such incidents.Materials and Methods: This study aims to compare the hospital management protocols for radiation accidents in Türkiye and Japan using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis method. As a country that has experienced a radiation accident, Japan’s post-incident developments are compared with Türkiye’s current situation. The study first examines the radiation safety regulations, healthcare policies, and hospital management strategies of both countries. While Türkiye has established general protocols under the Hospital Disaster and Emergency Plan (HAP) and for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents, Japan has enhanced its crisis management and emergency response systems following the 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Accident. Within the framework of the SWOT analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of both countries, potential threats, and opportunities for improvement are analyzed in detail.Results and Discussion: This study highlights how Türkiye can benefit from Japan’s crisis management experience to enhance its preparedness for radiation accidents. The analysis reveals that Türkiye has significant shortcomings, particularly in training, drills, and hospital infrastructure. However, its investments in nuclear energy provide opportunities for development through international collaborations. On the other hand, although Japan possesses advanced radiation monitoring systems and extensive experience, it remains under constant threat due to its high concentration of nuclear power plants and exposure to natural disasters.Conclusion: To prevent radiation accidents, it is recommended to develop a hospital management model based on international standards. Additionally, effective intervention strategies should be formulated through the collaborative decision-making of hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to ensure a comprehensive response to radiation accidents.