Design and Psychometrics of Evaluation Tool for Hospital Emergency Clinical Staff Preparedness on Chemical,...

CBRN events can occur randomly or intentionally. Rapid and appropriate response to CBRN events can significantly mitigate the adverse effects on physical health and reduce mortality rates. The effectiveness of these responses largely depends on the preparedness of hospital emergency Clinical staff.

This study was a mixed-methods research aiming to develop and validate a psychometric research instrument in 2025. Based on the review of the literature regarding CBRN events, the items were extracted, rewritten, and validated. In the quantitative phase, the validity of the questionnaire was evaluated in terms of face, content, and construct validity, and its reliability was evaluated based on internal consistency and stability (Cronbach's alpha and Interclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC]).

The designed questionnaire included 6 dimensions and 65 items. The dimensions included (1) programs and guidelines, treatment of the injured; (2) exercise; (3) decontamination and waste management; (4) education and human resources; (5) prevention, coordination, and security; and (6) PPE. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were approved by the specialists and experts of hospital emergency and health in disasters and emergencies. The content validity ratio was >0.6 for all items. The content validity index was also approved for all items. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient and ICC were respectively 0.977 and 0.972 for the total questionnaire.

Hospital Emergency Clinical Staff play a vital role in responding to CBRN events; therefore, policies, programs, coordination efforts, budgets, and other necessary measures are strongly recommended to increase ED clinical staff preparedness against CBRN events.