Post-quake call for action: developing core competencies matrix for Syrian health workers in emergency time

Area of Science:

• Disaster Medicine
• Health Workforce Development
• Emergency Preparedness

Background:

• Syrian earthquake response necessitates specialized health worker competencies.
• Diverse disasters in Syria highlight the need for adaptable disaster management skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential competencies for Syrian health workers in earthquake response.
• To inform training programs and enhance disaster resilience.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory qualitative study using the Delphi process.
• Involved nine Medical Education Program (MEP) research team members from various health specializations.
• Data collection involved multiple rounds with an 80% agreement threshold for competency finalization.

Main Results:

• Identified 74 essential competencies: 12 knowledge, 35 skills, and 27 attitudes.
• Competencies categorized into five domains: preparation, implementation, education/support, research, and development.
• Included diverse health worker groups from doctors to disaster teams.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive list of earthquake competencies for health workers was established.
• Aims to bolster national resilience and guide decision-makers in health system strengthening.
• Addresses the need for competency development within strained healthcare systems.