Evaluation of outbreak preparedness of nurses in a tertiary care Bekaa hospital

Abstract

The last coronavirus pandemic had far-reaching consequences, impacting human wellbeing, the environment, and various aspects of life, including the economy and social spheres. Healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who were in close contact with infected individuals, experienced significant mortality, morbidity, and mental health issues. Outbreaks among hospital staff played a crucial role in disease transmission, affecting not only the employees but also their families, the community's health, work environment, productivity, quality of care, patient safety, and hospital revenues. As the world faces the familiarity of SARS-CoV2 after three years of the pandemic, a critical question arises: Are nurses working in hospitals adequately prepared for another potential outbreak, and what lessons can be learned from the past?This project aims to enhance the health and safety of healthcare staff and prevent communicable disease outbreaks, specifically among nurses. The practicum was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the Mid Bekaa region from June 19, 2023, until July 31, 2023, totaling 150 hours. A needs assessment was carried out before the practicum, using a multidisciplinary questionnaire to evaluate the Knowledge (K), Attitude (A), and Practice (P) of infection prevention and control measures, particularly during outbreaks. The questionnaire was distributed to employed nurses in the last quarter of 2022, and the hospital provided access to the collected data.The literature review and data analysis revealed that there were low KAP scores and a lack of knowledge regarding outbreak management, as well as an inability to manage stress, which emerged as significant needs among the nurses. In response, training lectures on outbreak management and occupational stress management were conducted, and pretests and post tests were used to assess the effectiveness of each intervention. The results demonstrated a 30% improvement in knowledge levels regarding outbreak management. Additionally, based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the percentage of nurses with moderate to severe anxiety decreased from 44% to 30% after the intervention.This study highlights the concerning lack of preparedness for future outbreaks and sheds light on the striking levels of stress and anxiety experienced by healthcare workers. To bolster preparedness and response efforts, health response strategies must incorporate the expertise of occupational health and safety professionals. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards better safeguarding the health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers and the broader community.