Physicians' Response and Preparedness of Terrorism-Related Disaster Events in Quetta City, Pakistan

A Qualitative Inquiry

Bibliographic Data

ID22078613
AuthorsFazal Ur Rehman Khilji (University of Balochistan), Zil-e-Huma Zil-e-Huma (Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University), Nosheen Sikander Baloch (Bolan Medical College), Maryam Shoaib, Zaffar Iqbal (0000-0003-2257-0680, University of Balochistan), Abdul Raziq (0000-0001-9464-9465, University of Balochistan), Nabila Sadaf (Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University), Syed Ainuddin (0000-0003-0933-9353, University of Balochistan), Sajjad Haider (0000-0002-2140-2469, University of Balochistan), Fahad Saleem (0000-0001-8100-8992, University of Balochistan), Qaiser Iqbal (0000-0002-3401-8319, University of Balochistan), Tanveer Hussain (0000-0003-4423-3087, University of Balochistan), Asfandyar Ayaz (University of Balochistan), Rabia Ishaq (University of Balochistan, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume10
Pages912762-912762
Publication date2022-06-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2022.912762
PMID35832271
OpenAlexW4283585300
LanguageEN
References cited64

Background: Besides catastrophes, infrastructural damages, and psychosocial distress, terrorism also imposes an unexpected burden on healthcare services. Considerably, adequately-prepared and responsive healthcare professionals affirms effective management of terrorism-related incidences. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate physicians' preparedness and response toward terrorism-related disaster events in Quetta city, Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative design was adopted. Physicians practicing at the Trauma Center of Sandeman Provincial Hospital (SPH), Quetta, were approached for the study. We conducted in-depth interviews; all interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for thematic contents by a standard content analysis framework. Results: Fifteen physicians were interviewed. The saturation was achieved at the 13th interview however we conducted another two to validate the saturation. The thematic content analysis revealed five themes and 11 subthemes. All physicians have experienced, responded to, and managed terrorism-related disaster events. They were prepared professionally and psychologically in dealing with a terrorism-related disaster. Physicians identified lack of disaster-related curricula and training, absence of a standardized protocol, recurrence of the disaster, and hostile behavior of victim's attendants during an emergency as critical barriers to effective terrorism-related disaster management. Among limitations, all respondents mentioned workspace, and resources as a foremost constraint while managing a terrorism-related disaster event. Conclusion: Although physicians understood the abilities and had the required competencies to mitigate a terrorism-related disaster, lack of workspace and resources were identified as a potential barrier to effective disaster management. Based on the results, we propose reconsideration and integration of the medical curriculum, particularly for terrorism-related disaster management, collaboration, and communication among various stakeholders to manage terrorism-related disaster events competently

Computer security · Content analysis · Emergency management · Health care · Medical emergency · Poison control · Political science · Preparedness · Qualitative research · Sociology · Terrorism · Thematic analysis · Disaster Management and Resilience · Disaster Response and Management · Medicine · Nursing · Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence

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