Evaluating the Real-World Impact of Desk-Based Disaster Preparedness: A Case Study of the Covid-19 Pandemic

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster management and preparedness activities based on the experience of compliance with the pandemic plan in a university hospital. Material and Methods: The study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional investigation. A total of 645 employees from various professional groups working at a university hospital voluntarily participated in the study. The data were collected using a survey method. The Awareness Level Regarding the Pandemic Process Questionnaire was distributed via email. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and for the analysis of numerical variables, the "Student’s t-test" was used if the variables were normally distributed, while the "Mann Whitney U test" was applied if the distribution was non-normal. For categorical variables, the "chi-square test" was employed. Results: Survey completion rates were higher among nurses, while the lowest response rates were observed among other healthcare personnel. The proportion of employees with moderate or higher knowledge of the institution's pandemic plan was found to be 85%, whereas the rate of those with a high level of knowledge was 57%. Knowledge of the pandemic plan was significantly higher among women, those who received direct information, individuals informed by the infection control committee, participants in online training sessions, those aware of how to access procedure and guideline information, and employees who had previously participated in various in-hospital informational sessions or drills. Overall, it was observed that a majority of the survey respondents were well-acquainted with the hospital's pandemic plan. Conclusion: Regular information sessions are crucial for updating knowledge and maintaining motivation. The disaster preparedness process, which is among the institutional priorities, will facilitate a comprehensive and effective response practice in real disaster situations when organized in accordance with its intended purpose.