Disaster preparedness: are retired physicians willing to help?

Area of Science:

• Medical Disaster Response
• Public Health Preparedness
• Physician Volunteerism

Background:

• Healthcare facilities face significant staffing challenges during disasters.
• Retired physicians represent a valuable, yet often untapped, resource for disaster medical response.
• Professional associations can facilitate the engagement of retired medical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the willingness of retired physicians to volunteer during emergencies.
• To identify specific disaster-related tasks retired physicians would be willing to perform.
• To assess interest in disaster preparedness training among retired physicians.

Main Methods:

• A paper-based, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to retired members of the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA).
• The survey collected data on willingness to volunteer, preferred tasks, and interest in training.
• A response rate of 64% was achieved from the mailed surveys.

Main Results:

• 54% of retired physicians surveyed expressed willingness to perform healthcare tasks during a disaster, with an additional 24% possibly willing.
• The most preferred tasks included minor wound care (85%), vaccine administration (74%), and starting IV lines (71%).
• A significant majority (78%) were willing to attend disaster preparedness training.

Conclusions:

• Retired physicians are a willing and capable volunteer resource for disaster medical response.
• Their willingness is highest for direct patient care activities, suggesting a need for targeted volunteer roles.
• Retired physicians are receptive to training, enhancing their potential contribution to disaster preparedness and response plans.