Factors affecting disaster preparedness in prehospital emergency dispatch centers: mapping of expert perspectives

Prehospital emergency dispatch centers play a pivotal role in disaster response, yet their preparedness is often inadequate, particularly in low-resource settings such as Iran. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the disaster preparedness of these centers through a qualitative approach.

A conventional content analysis was conducted between October 2024 and May 2025. Twenty experts and managers from Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and dispatch centers were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed inductively using MAXQDA-2020. Trustworthiness was ensured following Guba and Lincoln's criteria.

In this study, thirteen main categories were extracted from the data. The analysis revealed that disaster preparedness in emergency dispatch centers is influenced by a complex interaction of human, organizational, and environmental factors. Among the most influential dimensions were planning and training, communication and coordination systems, and the psychological and operational readiness of personnel. Collectively, these components determine the centers' ability to maintain functionality and ensure an effective response under disaster conditions.

Strengthening the preparedness of emergency dispatch centers requires a systems-based approach that integrates comprehensive planning, continuous training, resilient communication infrastructure, and mental health support for telecommunicators. However, as a qualitative study, the findings are context-specific and may not be generalizable to all settings. Nevertheless, they provide an in-depth understanding of the multidimensional factors influencing preparedness and response, offering valuable insights for policymakers, health system managers, and model developers in disaster management.