Understanding Provider Health Crisis Preparedness Levels at the Initiation of COVID-19 in West Virginia Medical Practices

Abstract

Introduction Rural community healthcare providers and clinics face unique challenges when addressing public health emergencies. The novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to new challenges exacerbated by a lack of experience, resources, and support. In West Virginia (WV), the largely elderly and rural population is cause for significant concern to the healthcare community due to decreased access to healthcare and increased risk of complications from COVID-19. Methods At the dawning of the COVID-19 crisis, the WV Practice-Based Research Network evaluated rural healthcare providers' confidence and preparedness in public health emergencies. Results A total of 149 primary care providers (52% physicians and 47% certified registered nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, or registered nurses) anonymously responded to the survey. The majority of respondents (81%) indicated they had not previously experienced a public health emergency before 2020. Sixty-four percent felt they had access to timely information and identified organizational leadership and federal government as the top two trusted sources. Only 13% of respondents personally felt "very confident" in being adequately prepared for public health emergencies, while 30% felt their healthcare site is adequately prepared. Discussion The WV primary care perspective about public health emergencies has been elucidated during the pandemic, along with determining where healthcare workers get their information and their awareness of resources available to them.