Abstract
BackgroundDecember 2019 marked the inception of a global pandemic, with cases being reported worldwide. In the developing nations with scarce healthcare resources, the reliance on healthcare workers who are amply prepared to withstand the prevailing scenario is indispensable. Our study aimed to assess the level of preparedness of doctors working in various hospitals across Pakistan to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsWe conducted an online questionnaire-based survey in May 2020 to estimate the level of preparedness of doctors working in various departments of various private and public hospitals across Pakistan. The survey comprised 36 questions, with items evaluating the provision of adequate protective equipment, training, mental health resources, and sound collaboration between healthcare workers and the hospital management during the COVID-19 crisis.ResultsA total of 346 doctors responded to the survey, among whom 56.4% were working in public sector hospitals and 46.5% were working more than five days per week. Of those included, 87.6% were being provided with disposable gloves, but 72.8% and 43.4% of respondents professed to having no access to eye protective equipment and gowns, respectively. Only 35.3% of respondents claimed to be trained regarding the use of personal protective equipment and 28.95% were being tested. Of the physicians, 43.4% claimed to have no proper triage system for the suspected patients and 98.3% were concerned about transmitting the disease to their family members. Of the doctors, 53.5% reported that there was sound collaboration between the hospital management and healthcare staff.ConclusionThe survey provided evidence of inadequate delivery of personal protective equipment and training to doctors working in various hospitals across Pakistan. A sound collaboration between the hospital management and departments needs to be addressed.
Highlights
In December 2019, patients presenting with respiratory symptoms of unknown etiology were being identified in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China
A total of 346 doctors responded to the survey, among whom 56.4% were working in public sector hospitals and 46.5% were working more than five days per week
87.6% were being provided with disposable gloves, but 72.8% and 43.4% of respondents professed to having no access to eye protective equipment and gowns, respectively
Summary
In December 2019, patients presenting with respiratory symptoms of unknown etiology were being identified in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. The infectious agent causing unusual respiratory symptoms was identified to be a novel coronavirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) by the Chinese health authority while the world health organization (WHO) named the disease caused by this virus as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [1]. The infectious agent responsible for causing COVID-19 is transmitted via respiratory droplets from infected individuals and remains viable on non-living objects under appropriate atmospheric conditions for several days [3]. The symptoms of COVID-19 may range from a mild to a severe presentation, causing acute. How to cite this article Hashim L, Khan H R, Ullah I, et al (September 11, 2020) Physician Preparedness in Response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Developing Country. Our study aimed to assess the level of preparedness of doctors working in various hospitals across Pakistan to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
