Document Type

Dissertation

Graduation Date

8-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health

First Committee Member

Rachel Lookadoo, JD, Dissertation Chair

Second Committee Member

Florence Di Benedetto, JD, MBA, Committee Member

Third Committee Member

Sharon Medcalf, PhD, Committee Member

Fourth Committee Member

Keith Hansen, MBA, Committee Member

Abstract

Background: Disasters, both natural and human-induced, are increasing. Disasters impact public health and safety in many ways including disruption of healthcare. Emergency preparedness mitigates disaster impacts. Training improves preparedness however no training standard exists. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the current state of U.S. healthcare preparedness and the impact of training on preparedness; determine the best strategies to improve healthcare emergency preparedness training; propose a standard for training in healthcare emergency preparedness; and identify barriers to adopting a standard for training in healthcare emergency preparedness including strategies to overcome identified barriers. Methods: A comprehensive literature review, using PRIMSA guidelines, was conducted to inform the current state of healthcare emergency preparedness. Original mixed methods research was conducted to understand different aspects of training on preparedness, inform the recommendation for a training standard and explore potential barriers to adopting a training standard. Sixty-seven participants were included in the quantitative phase which surveyed participants about training quantity (in hours) and delivery format. In the qualitative phase, five focus groups with a total of twenty-nine participants were conducted to deepen understanding of the quantitative results as well as collect information about training topics, barriers to implementing a standard and recommendations for overcoming barriers. Results: Ten training topics for a quantity of eleven hours or more per topic were identified in the quantitative phase and reinforced in the qualitative phase. In-person delivery format was preferred for all training topics except for three topics, where online synchronous delivery was preferred. Asynchronous online delivery was not preferred by participants. Other aspects of training were further explored, and the concept of a basic versus advanced training standard emerged as a major theme. Barriers to training included financial support and time to attend training. Conclusions: While training is key to improved healthcare emergency preparedness, variation in training exists. This study recommends a standard in healthcare emergency preparedness training and includes the leadership approach to incorporate this plan of change at a national policy level. Barriers to implementation of a standard and how barriers may be overcome are considered. Several areas of future research were identified and included.

Download

Included in

Public Health Commons

Share

COinS