How Prepared Are the Health Care Professionals for Disaster Medicine Management? An Insight from Pakistan

Abstract

Countries need healthcare professionals who are competent first responders with a positive attitude and prepared to deal with catastrophes. The study evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and readiness of the practice of healthcare professionals towards disaster management. A survey was carried out among hospital healthcare professionals using a self-administered validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised knowledge, attitude, and readiness to practice items. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, correlation and regression tests) at alpha = 0.05 were used in the analysis. The mean (SD) score of knowledge was 12.25 (4.27) (range: 3.00 to 20.00), attitude (39.32 ± 9.55; range: 18.00 to 61.00), readiness to practice (32.41 ± 6.69; range: 21.00 to 61.00), and KArP (83.99 ± 12.21; range: 60.00 to 124.00). The average knowledge score was moderate, low attitude score, moderate readiness to practice score, and an average score of overall KArP. Attitude is a significant predictor of readiness to practice (p = 0.000). The levels of knowledge, attitude, and readiness of the practice of healthcare professionals were not satisfactory. The educators and health policymakers should build a robust curriculum in disaster medicine management and preparedness to prepare for the future of competent healthcare professionals for the nation.