Interprofessional Ambulatory Staff Perceptions of Pandemic Preparedness

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infectious Disease Preparedness
• Occupational Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid staff redeployment.
• Existing roles were altered, impacting healthcare professionals' experiences.
• Understanding staff perceptions is crucial for effective crisis response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess perceptions of role, preparedness, and management among redeployed staff.
• To evaluate the alignment between organizational expectations and staff experiences.
• To inform future strategies for managing healthcare workforce during outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study design was employed.
• Data were collected from staff redeployed between March and June 2020.
• Perceptions of safety, competence, and teamwork were assessed.

Main Results:

• A misalignment was identified between management expectations and staff perceptions.
• Redeployed staff reported varied experiences regarding safety, competence, and teamwork.
• The rapid reassignment of interprofessional groups may not be ideal for future scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The initial strategy of rapid staff reassignment requires reevaluation for future infectious disease outbreaks.
• Addressing staff perceptions of safety, competence, and teamwork is vital.
• Optimizing workforce deployment is essential for pandemic preparedness.