Resilience in Emergency Medicine during COVID-19: Evaluating Staff Expectations and Preparedness

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant challenges for health systems globally, with medical professionals at the forefront of this crisis. Understanding their organizational expectations and well-being implications is crucial for crafting responsive healthcare environments. Methods: Between 2021 and 2022, an online survey was conducted among 852 medical professionals across four provinces in Poland: Mazovia, Łódź, Świętokrzyskie, and Lublin. The survey tool, based on a comprehensive literature review, comprised dichotomous questions and specific queries to gather explicit insights. A 5-point Likert scale was implemented to capture nuanced perceptions. Additionally, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) was utilized to ascertain the correlation between workplace organization and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results: A noteworthy 84.6% of participants believed their employers could enhance safety measures, highlighting a discrepancy between healthcare workers’ expectations and organizational implementations. Major concerns encompassed the demand for improved personal protective equipment (44.6%), structured debriefing sessions (40%), distinct building entrances and exits (38.8%), and psychological support (38.3%). Statistical analyses showcased significant variations in ‘Avoidance’ and ‘Overall PTSD Score’ between individuals who had undergone epidemic safety procedure training and those who had not. Conclusions: The results illuminate the imperative for healthcare organizations to remain agile, attentive, and deeply compassionate, especially during worldwide health emergencies. Despite showcasing remarkable resilience during the pandemic, medical professionals ardently seek an environment that underscores their safety and mental well-being. These findings reinforce the call for healthcare institutions and policymakers to champion a forward-thinking, employee-focused approach. Additionally, the data suggest a potential avenue for future research focusing on specific demographic groups, further enriching our understanding and ensuring a more comprehensive readiness for impending health crises.

Public Health Responses to CBRN Terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa

“…The spirit of collaboration should persist here, fostering environments conducive to innovative solutions that are both effective, and widely accessible. 28 In a broader policy context, the onus falls upon governments to prioritize the formulation of all-encompassing policies that cater to the prevention, mitigation, and response to CBRN threats. Such an endeavor could involve enacting stricter regulations on the storage and transport of hazardous materials, coupled with a steadfast commitment to international conventions explicitly prohibiting the use of such weapons.…”

“…The spirit of collaboration should persist here, fostering environments conducive to innovative solutions that are both effective, and widely accessible. 28…”

Ethical Awareness and Practices Among Emergency Department Personnel in Riyadh’s Tertiary Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…This finding underscores the importance of the supervisory role in addressing legal issues and ensuring adherence to legal frameworks. [29][30][31][32] When comparing the results of this study with previously conducted research studies, several similarities and differences emerge. It is important to note that each study is influenced by unique contextual factors and sample characteristics, which may contribute to variations in findings.…”