Evaluating healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes towards disaster management policies in a Johannesburg hospital.

Abstract

Background:  Disasters in hospitals, such as epidemics, fires and flooding, are a global concern, especially in South Africa. Many healthcare providers lack knowledge of disaster management and preparedness policies (DMPP).

Objectives:  To assess the knowledge and attitudes of Healthcare Providers (HCPs) regarding DMPP in a selected hospital in Johannesburg, to determine whether the knowledge and attitudes of HCPs regarding DMPP are related to training and to determine whether the knowledge, attitudes and training of HCPs regarding DMPP differ according to their type of work and level of education.

Methods:  A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was applied in the study. Analysis of variance and multilinear regression analysis were utilised to find the relationships between knowledge, attitudes and training.

Results:  The study had an adequate response rate of 86. Results showed that enrolled nurse assistants had better knowledge and attitudes about DMPP than other healthcare providers.

Conclusion:  The study concluded that many HCPs still need improvement in knowledge and attitudes regarding DMPP and recommends creating training programmes and better collaboration amongst health and safety committees for effective disaster management.Contribution: The study provides a significant perspective about knowledge and attitudes of HCPs in DMPP, it identifies gaps in awareness, training and implementation of disaster protocols, therefore providing evidence to guide policy improvement, targeted disaster education and HCPs capacity-building initiatives to strengthen hospital disaster readiness in South Africa, in essence enhancing National Health Insurance readiness.