Abstract
BackgroundShortage of specialized healthcare volunteers is a major challenge during disasters and one solution could be pre-identified healthcare volunteers. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model of managing Iranian healthcare volunteers in disasters.MethodsThis mixed method study was designed in two phases. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 22 health professionals and key informant. The interviews were analyzed by framework analysis. In the second phase, concepts derived from the first step were evaluated in a two round Delphi study by an expert panel comprised of 42 experts.ResultsTwo themes and eight subthemes were identified based on the results of the first phase. The theme of background requirements included three sub-themes of laws and regulations, NGOs and socio-cultural factors. The second theme was called operational requirements which included six subthemes of preparedness, response, retention, relocation, terminating and follow-up. According to the results of the Delphi study, all of the concepts were confirmed.ConclusionIn addition to the need for supportive legal framework and building the culture of volunteering, it seems it is crucial to identify and prepare the health care volunteers in the preparedness phase and assign them appropriately in the response phase. Furthermore, the necessary measures should be prioritized to enhance volunteers’ retention rate and motivation. Plans should also be implemented for volunteers’ termination and volunteers’ physical and mental health follow up after their mission.
Highlights
Shortage of specialized healthcare volunteers is a major challenge during disasters and one solution could be pre-identified healthcare volunteers
Considering the increasing risk of disasters; critical role of health system in responding to disasters; few studies in the field of disaster volunteering in the world [22]; and lack of a comprehensive study addressing all aspects of the healthcare volunteer management in disasters, this study aimed to develop a conceptual model for appropriate management and using capacity of healthcare volunteers in disasters in Iran
They believed that developing safety standards and regulations, arranging insurance and setting codes of the ethics related to the use of healthcare volunteers was among the first measures to be taken in the management of health care volunteers
Summary
Shortage of specialized healthcare volunteers is a major challenge during disasters and one solution could be pre-identified healthcare volunteers. Health systems must well organize and use the capacity of its system before disasters to enable them to deliver the maximum services in response phase [4] In this regard, one of the challenges of capacity building is inability to quickly mobilize human resources at the time of disasters [5] as well as impractical use of by-standers and uninvited volunteers in disasters [6]. Safety standards and regulations Insurance Code of ethics Creation of NGOs. Reforming the structure of NGOs. 1–3 Socio-cultural factors Loyalty of volunteers. Considering safety seems to be more important for health volunteers compared to other volunteers [12] It seems that motivating the volunteers and retaining their dignity and ensuring their health and security should be included in the plan
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