Developing a Risk Governance Framework on Radiological Emergency, Preparedness, and Response for Emergency...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Risk Management
• Emergency Preparedness

Background:

• Risk governance is crucial for organizational success, yet understudied in radiological emergency contexts.
• Existing guidance on nuclear risk management is global, but local studies on radiological risk governance are scarce.
• Understanding emergency responders' perceptions is key to effective radiological risk management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a protocol for assessing factors influencing emergency responders' views on radiological risk practices.
• To develop a visualized radiological risk framework for emergency preparedness and response.
• To identify key themes and predictors related to radiological governance perceptions.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods convergent design study was employed.
• Qualitative data: In-depth interviews with 6 key informants (case study approach).
• Quantitative data: Cross-sectional survey of ~260 emergency responders using self-administered questionnaires and logistic regression analysis.

Main Results:

• The study is ongoing, with qualitative thematic analysis and statistical analysis (multiple logistic regression) underway.
• Emerging themes and significant factors influencing perceptions of radiological governance are being identified.
• The study is expected to conclude in late 2021, providing quantitative and qualitative insights.

Conclusions:

• Convergent design successfully identified key themes and factors influencing emergency responders' perceptions of radiological governance.
• The findings are expected to facilitate the development of a robust radiological risk governance framework.
• Results will offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in radiological emergency management.