Readiness of Medical Institutions, Academics and Practitioners for the Covid-19 Outbreak

Abstract

Objective: To assess the readiness of medical institutions of Pakistan to the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in two medical institutes of Sindh and Punjab from Aug - Nov 2020. Faculty members of both institutes were asked to fill an online questionnaire. Readiness to deal with COVID-19 outbreak was evaluated by implementation of the standard operating procedure (SOP), lifestyle modifications, and stress levels. Impact of Event Scale (I ES) -15 items version was used to assess stress level. The total score interpreted as 0 to 8 subclinical range, 9 to 25 mild range, 26 to 43 moderate range, and 44 plus severe range. Results: Out of 111 participants, private sector was more prepared to deal with COVI D-19 'n terms of availability of infection control materials and following of SOPs. However, public sector showed improved numbers 13 (59.1%) for "performing refresher training for healthcare providers on infection control guidelines" as compared to private sector 30 (33.7%) (p-value 0.029). Though, both public and private sector institute reported moderate level of stress, the total mean score on IES was insignificantly higher in public sector institute than private sector, i.e., 30 ± 14.2 vs. 26.74 ±14-5 (p-value 0.252). Conclusion: The academics and practitioners of public and private medical institutions were moderately stressed due to the fear of the possibility of contracting COVI D-19 at the workplace and spreading it to the loved ones. © 2021 Dow University of Health Sciences. All Rights Reserved.