Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Workforce Development Strategies: Delphi Consensus Study

Abstract

Introduction: Health workforce development is essential for achieving the goals of an effective health system, as well as establishing national Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM). Study Objective: The objective of this Delphi consensus study was to identify strategic recommendations for strengthening the workforce for Health EDRM in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC). Methods: A total of 31 international experts were asked to rate the level of importance (one being strongly unimportant to seven being strongly important) for 46 statements that contain recommendations for strengthening the workforce for Health EDRM. The experts were divided into a LMIC group and an HIC group. There were three rounds of rating, and statements that did not reach consensus (SD ≥ 1.0) proceeded to the next round for further ranking. Results: In total, 44 statements from the LMIC group and 34 statements from the HIC group attained consensus and achieved high mean scores for importance (higher than five out of seven). The components of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health EDRM Framework with the highest number of recommendations were “Human Resources” (n = 15), “Planning and Coordination” (n = 7), and “Community Capacities for Health EDRM” (n = 6) in the LMIC group. “Policies, Strategies, and Legislation” (n = 7) and “Human Resources” (n = 7) were the components with the most recommendations for the HIC group. Conclusion: The expert panel provided a comprehensive list of important and actionable strategic recommendations on workforce development for Health EDRM.

Analysis of Delphi study 7-point linear scale data by parametric methods: Use of the mean and standard deviation

“…The smallest study had 15 total ratings, while the largest had 1620. Two of these Delphi studies have been previously published, and several are currently being analyzed for publication (Hung et al, 2022: Weinstein et al, 2020).…”

Exploring Volunteer Pharmacists’ Experiences in Responding to 2023 Türkiye Earthquakes: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

“…From a health systems perspective, managing the workforce during disasters involves efficiently organizing and coordinating health-care volunteers to address and handle the heightened needs and complexities of a disaster situation. It involves strategic planning, 36 deployment, coordination, 37,38 and support of personnel 32 involved in disaster response and recovery efforts. Effective workforce management ensures that the right people are in the right place at the right time, with the necessary skills and resources, to address the needs and challenges emerging in disaster zones.…”

“…38 Pharmacy national bodies along with health departments need to establish a comprehensive workforce management plan including identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, defining roles and responsibilities, and developing protocols and procedures for various scenarios in disasters. 36,48 Moreover, this plan could lead to preparing a pool of qualified personnel in advance, determining the number and types of personnel needed, as well as the necessary equipment, 31 supplies, 39 and facilities 41 required to support their efforts, providing transportation, 49 accommodation, 31,40 food, 33 and equipment 33 to support the workforce, ensuring the safety 39,50 and well-being of the workforce. Planning the post-disaster recovery 35 processes can provide the reintegration of the workforce into normal operations.…”