Date of Award

Fall 11-13-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Respiratory Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Lynda T. Goodfellow

Second Advisor

Dr. Douglas S. Gardenhire

Third Advisor

Mr. Ralph Zimmerman

Abstract

To understand the impact of recurrent pandemics such as MERS-CoV on Respiratory Therapists (RTs) behavior and commitment has become an extremely important and relevant exercise because of the unprecedented MERS-CoV occurrences in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to assess RTs knowledge, attitudes, and skills, in order to examine the differences in RTs readiness level, training status, and the association and during MERS-CoV disasters.

Method used Cross-sectional survey. A web-link survey was emailed to Saudi Society for Respiratory Care (SSRC) members, (N 750). The survey consisted of two parts: knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and the readiness to come to work. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS 23.0.

Findings showed a significant difference between the different levels of work positions (p = 0.027), a gender and work position (p = 0.012). There was a significant moderate correlation between readiness to work and knowledge (r = .407, p < 0.05), a significant low correlation between readiness to work and skills (r = 0.261, p = .05). There was a significant substantial correlation between skills and knowledge (r = .521, p < 0.05).

In conclusion, this study showed the importance of establishes effective disaster health bureaucracy by performs periodic health policy analysis for epidemic and pandemic influenza. It called for planning, preparedness to respond effectively using all hazard-approach for potential influenza disasters. It revealed the significance of capability building for first line responders in term of HCWs Check-list education and training programs. Moreover, it supported the establishment of independent local CDC and Disaster Management panel. It recommended flexible bureaucracy and leadership enhancement for HCWs strike teams to increase likelihood success in response for unconventional scenarios.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/7851363

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