Perceptions, knowledge and training needs of health professionals regarding their preparedness for crisis and mass disasters: a descriptive review

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the incidents of mass disasters have increased in intensity and frequency, with a great impact both on society as a whole and on the operation of health services. Health professionals have an important role in their treatment. However, their perceptions, knowledge and educational needs, regarding their preparedness in a critical situation, are not fully clarified. Purpose: The purpose of this review was to investigate the perceptions, knowledge and educational needs regarding the preparedness of health professionals in the face of mass disasters. Method: A complex search of the literature regarding crisis and emergency management by healthcare personnel was conducted between November 2018 and July 2020 in the online databases Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and the National Archive of Doctoral Dissertations. Inclusion criteria were the English and Greek language and the period of publication of the articles (from the year 2000 onwards). In addition, the studies should include only health professionals. Exclusion criteria were: the exclusive focus of the subject on vulnerable groups. Ultimately 20 studies were included in the review. Results: The level of knowledge regarding the position and role of each health specialty in the event of a crisis or mass disaster, and therefore regarding the preparedness of health professionals, was found to be satisfactory. In many cases the frequent occurrence of catastrophic events in certain areas has led to the development of the level of preparedness of health personnel and contributed to better planning. However, there were recorded gaps in knowledge regarding the psychological support of victims and as a result there were formulated needs for further training, with specific simulation scenarios for health professionals. Conclusions: Health professionals have increased needs for training and education in dealing with crises and mass disasters. Designing and monitoring appropriate training programs will improve their preparedness and effectiveness in such situations.