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Survey of Hospital Healthcare Personnel Response during a Potential Avian Influenza Pandemic: Will They Come to Work?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Charlene B. Irvin ,
Lauren Cindrich ,
William Patterson  and
Anthony Southall
Charlene B. Irvin*
Affiliation:
St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Lauren Cindrich
Affiliation:
Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
William Patterson
Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Anthony Southall
Affiliation:
St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
*
cbi@123.net
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Abstract

Introduction:

In order to prepare for pandemics, it is important to assess the likelihood that hospital personnel would report to work and to identify the issues that may affect this decision.

Objective:

To survey hospital personnel regarding their attendance at work in the hypothetical event of avian influenza pandemic, and what factors might influence this decision. Methods: A voluntary, confidential, institutional review board-approved survey was offered to a convenience sample of hospital workers regarding their willingness to report to work and what issues would be important in making this decision. Surveys not returned and individuals declining to participate were recorded.

Results:

Of 187 surveys offered, 169 were completed (90% response rate): 34% were doctors, 33% were nurses, and 33% were clerical and other associates (other). The average age of the participants was 38 years, and 32% were males. Participants were asked: “In the event of an avian pandemic, and patients were being treated at this hospital, would you report to work as usual?”. Of those who responded to the survey, 50% reported “yes”, 42% reported “maybe”, and 8% reported “no”. Doctors were more likely than nurses or others to respond “yes” (73%), as were males (66%). For the “maybe” responders, the most important factor (83%) was: “How confident I am that the hospital can protect me”. For 19% of the “maybe” responders, financial incentives would not make a difference for them to work, even up to triple pay.

Conclusions:

Personnel absenteeism during a pandemic due to fear of contracting an illness may result in a significant personnel shortage. Ensuring worker confidence in adequate personal protection may be more important than financial incentives.

Keywords

absenteeismavian flufearhealthcare workforcepandemicplanningsafety
Type
Original Research
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 23 , Issue 4 , August 2008 , pp. 328 - 335
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2008

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