Healthcare Personnal Training in a Healthcare District to Respond to an Industrial Disaster. Asturias, Spain

Abstract

Background: In order to provide a response to industrial accidents with a view to minimizing their consequences, the healthcare personnel working in areas at risk must be properly trained. This study is aimed at determining the degree of subjective perception that healthcare professional have with regard to how well-prepared they are to take action in response to an industrial accident resulting in a large number of injuries, as well as their knowledge of industrial hazards inherent to the area. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to measure five dimensions related to the response to industrial accidents (technical knowledge, knowledge of the Area, practical skills, attitudes and training). The sample was comprised of all of the Primary Care physicians and nursing staff in the District and from the Emergency Department at the related hospital. Results: The response rate was 61.2%. The results for the questions related to each dimension, on a maximum scale of 4, were: Technical skills (µ=1.3; d=0.81); Knowledge of the District (µ=0.75; d=0.96); Practical skills (µ=0.9; d=0.8); Attitudes (µ=3.25; d=0.73) and Training (µ=0.75; d=0.88). Those working in hospital emergency departments and those hired under indefinite or temporary contracts scored higher than those employed under permanent contracts. Conclusions: Information and training is lacking among these healthcare professionals, contrasting with the interest shown in correcting these lacks. It is necessary for a basic training and information program to be set up in order to deal with industrial disasters in our Healthcare District.