Determinants of Workforce Preparedness during Pandemics Among Healthcare Workers at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Objective: An infectious disease outbreak can place a significant burden on healthcare systems, however, our understanding of the broader healthcare workforce’s preparedness during a pandemic is limited. This study examines factors that influence perceived workforce preparedness at the U.S. Departme...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of primary care & community health 2021, Vol.12, p.21501327211004738-21501327211004738
Main Authors: Balut, Michelle D., Der-Martirosian, Claudia, Dobalian, Aram
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ability
Disasters
Employees
Health care industry
Health facilities
Health Personnel
Health status
Humans
Infectious diseases
Internet
Medical personnel
Original Research
Pandemics
Pandemics - prevention & control
Polls & surveys
Relatives
Sociodemographics
Understanding
United States
Veterans
Workforce
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Summary:Objective: An infectious disease outbreak can place a significant burden on healthcare systems, however, our understanding of the broader healthcare workforce’s preparedness during a pandemic is limited. This study examines factors that influence perceived workforce preparedness at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during a pandemic. Methods: The VA Preparedness Survey was a random, anonymous, web-based survey fielded nationwide October to December 2018. Multivariate statistical analyses examined the effects of study relevant factors (sociodemographic, work-related, general health, and household-related characteristics of VA employees) on perceptions of workforce preparedness, including institutional readiness and understanding of individual roles during a pandemic. Results: Four thousand and twenty-six VA employees responded. Overall, 55% were confident in their VA medical facility’s ability to respond; 49% understood their role; and 68% reported their role to be important during a pandemic. After controlling for study-relevant factors, household preparedness, having plans that address the health care needs of family members, and higher self-reported health status were associated with all 3 workforce preparedness variables. Clinical staff (compared to non-clinical staff) were less likely (OR:0.80, 95% CI:0.68-0.94, P 
ISSN:2150-1319
2150-1327
DOI:10.1177/21501327211004738