Preparedness Program Research Articles

Factors related to the disaster preparedness of patients on haemodialysis from Sichuan, China, during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate personal preparedness among patients on haemodialysis (HD) and to examine the relationship among sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward disaster preparedness and personal preparedness behaviours during natural disaster incidents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A convenience sampling method was used. A total of 446 participants from six areas of Sichuan province completed the online questionnaire study from February 27 to March 13, 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward disaster preparedness and personal preparedness behaviours were measured. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward disaster preparedness. The relationship among sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward disaster preparedness and personal preparedness behaviours were assessed using ordinal regression. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. A total of 446 participants completed the survey. Of these, 42.15% (N = 188) were poorly prepared, 26.23% (N = 117) were moderately prepared and 31.61% (N = 141) were highly prepared. Ordinal regression showed that knowing about disaster preparedness (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.691, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.081-2.644, p = 0.021), participating in disaster evacuation exercises (OR = 2.519, 95% CI = 1.595-3.977, p < 0.001) and learning about disaster preparedness (OR = 2.421, 95% CI = 1.542-3.802, p < 0.001) were associated with high preparedness. Compared to patients with a university degree or higher, patients with a junior high school education or lower (OR = 3.491, 95% CI = 1.760-6.925, p < 0.001) and senior high school degree (OR = 2.052, 95% CI = 1.038-4.057, p = 0.039) were associated with high preparedness. Patients who felt very confident and could deal with all their needs (OR = 3.878, 95% CI = 2.904-7.181, p < 0.001) or patients who felt confident and could meet some of their needs (OR = 1.949, 95% CI = 1.124-3.379, p = 0.017) had higher preparedness than those who felt less confident and were not well prepared to take care of their needs. After obtaining each participant's consent, they filled out the online questionnaire using their own or a relative's cell phone while undergoing HD. It is essential that patients should be educated not only on medical specialty topics, but also on general disaster preparedness. Medical institutions should improve and reinforce preparation training among targeted populations. The low level of preparedness is partly due to the lack of participation of patients in disaster preparedness programs. Dialysis center managers should be urged to implement such programs at their centers.

Addressing employment barriers for humanitarian migrants: Perspectives from settlement services

AbstractThis research seeks to understand the challenges faced by settlement service providers (SSPs) in assisting humanitarian migrants to secure appropriate employment. In‐depth interviews with 26 SSPs identified that current impediments to facilitating humanitarian migrants' employment related to employment support programmes; settlement service partnerships; cultural appropriateness of services; employment readiness, experience, skills and knowledge; social support and networks; and limitations of funding and service agreements. While employment is recognised as key to effective settlement, the findings of this study show that employment services are not currently a focus of settlement services, that is, most employment services delivered by settlement services were coordinated as part of job preparedness or readiness programmes. The paper argues for government to ensure financial and human resources to enable SSPs to deliver services that can formally recognise and overcome barriers to humanitarian migrants' employment.

Mechanism and spectrum of inhibition of a 4′-cyano modified nucleotide analog against diverse RNA polymerases of prototypic respiratory RNA viruses

The development of safe and effective broad-spectrum antivirals that target the replication machinery of respiratory viruses is of high priority in pandemic preparedness programs. Here, we studied the mechanism of action of a newly discovered nucleotide analog against diverse RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) of prototypic respiratory viruses. GS-646939 is the active 5′-triphosphate (TP) metabolite of a 4ʹ-cyano modified C-adenosine analog phosphoramidate prodrug GS-7682. Enzyme kinetics show that the RdRps of human rhinovirus type 16 (HRV-16) and enterovirus 71 (EV-71) incorporate GS-646939 with unprecedented selectivity; GS-646939 is incorporated 20-50-fold more efficiently than its natural ATP counterpart. The RdRp complex of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) incorporate GS-646939 and ATP with similar efficiency. In contrast, influenza B RdRp shows a clear preference for ATP and human mitochondrial RNA polymerase (h-mtRNAP) does not show significant incorporation of GS-646939. Once incorporated into the nascent RNA strand, GS-646939 acts as a chain-terminator although higher NTP concentrations can partially overcome inhibition for some polymerases. Modeling and biochemical data suggest that the 4ʹ-modification inhibits RdRp translocation. Comparative studies with GS-443902, the active triphosphate form of the 1′-cyano modified prodrugs remdesivir and obeldesivir, reveal not only different mechanisms of inhibition, but also differences in the spectrum of inhibition of viral polymerases. In conclusion, 1ʹ-cyano and 4ʹ-cyano modifications of nucleotide analogs provide complementary strategies to target the polymerase of several families of respiratory RNA viruses.

Successful Distribution of Tecovirimat During the Peak of the Mpox Outbreak - Los Angeles County, June 2022-January 2023.

Tecovirimat is the first-line antiviral treatment recommended for severe mpox or for persons with mpox who are at risk for severe disease; tecovirimat is available in the United States under an expanded access investigational new drug (IND) protocol. During the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak, local U.S. health jurisdictions facilitated access to tecovirimat. In June 2022, Los Angeles County (LAC) rapidly developed strategies for tecovirimat distribution using existing medical countermeasure distribution networks established by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and the Hospital Preparedness Program, creating a hub and spoke distribution network consisting of 44 hub facilities serving 456 satellite sites across LAC. IND patient intake forms were analyzed to describe mpox patients treated with tecovirimat. Tecovirimat treatment data were matched with case surveillance data to calculate time from specimen collection to patients receiving tecovirimat. Among 2,281 patients with mpox in LAC, 735 (32%) received tecovirimat during June 2022-January 2023. Among treated patients, approximately two thirds (508; 69%) received treatment through community clinics and pharmacies. The median interval from specimen collection to treatment was 2 days (IQR=0-5 days). Local data collection and analysis helped to minimize gaps in treatment access and facilitated network performance monitoring. During public health emergencies, medical countermeasures can be rapidly deployed across a large jurisdiction using existing distribution networks, including clinics and pharmacies.

Beyond Chinese Spy Balloons: Why We Need to Teach East Asian Studies in U.S. Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Programs

Abstract This article argues for the inclusion of more East Asia-focused content, particularly regarding China and North Korea, in homeland security and emergency preparedness (HSEP) undergraduate curricula. It contends that current programs overemphasize the post-9/11 counterterrorism paradigm while neglecting state-level threats, especially from China as an ascendant geopolitical rival. China poses multifaceted challenges through cyberattacks, intellectual property theft, economic coercion, and potential military contingencies, such as invading Taiwan. North Korea's nuclear program and cyber activities also jeopardize U.S. homeland security. To prepare future professionals, the article recommends adding a “state actor threats” core subject matter area covering the histories, cultures, and political dynamics underlying these nations’ antagonistic policies. Cultivating deeper cultural competency about U.S. strategic competitors in East Asia is crucial for bolstering national security. Holistic education reform is needed to align HSEP programs with contemporary global geopolitical realities beyond traditional terrorism subjects.

Implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response-Rapid Team Program in Niger

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Introduction:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The WHO’s prompt declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) shepherded an effective coordinated response to contain the epidemic. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The aim of this study is to describe the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned during the Implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response-Rapid Response Team (EPR-RRT) program. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Method:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The study used mixed methods approach quantitative and qualitative data from a literature review of WHO AFRO coordination mechanisms and the Niger Public Health Emergency Operational Centre (PHEOC). The study was conducted in the National Public Health Emergency Operational Centre (PHEOC) of Niger during 12 months from September 2022 to September 2023. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The implementation of this program began with the evaluation of Niger&amp;apos;s capacities and capacity building of teams to prepare, detect and respond to public health emergencies within 24 hours of an alert. The team of multi-disciplinary and multi-sector experts was identified and selected and trained on series of modules training. The team is composed of a total of 50 experts from 6 ONE HEALTH sectoral ministries. The average age is 49.94 (±5.9) years with extremes ranging from 33 to 56 years. The sex ratio is 0.35. The team have acquired the experience of being deployed in 4 regions of the country, 6 districts as part of the response to 6 public health events. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; The rapid response team has made it possible not only to acquire the technical and operational skills, financial, human and logistical capacities to respond rapidly when a public health emergency occurs.

Ordinary least squares regression-based difference-in-differences estimation approach for evaluating specialized nuclear emergency preparedness program

Ordinary least squares regression-based difference-in-differences estimation approach for evaluating specialized nuclear emergency preparedness program

Mental Health Status of New Police Trainees before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate the mental health of new police trainees during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Korea. Two groups of police trainees were surveyed considering the distribution of gender, age, and education level: those who joined the school before COVID-19 and those who joined during the outbreak. Mental health indicators, including insomnia, depression, and anxiety, were compared between the two groups. The prevalence of insomnia, depression, and anxiety significantly varied in the group that joined during COVID-19 compared with the group that joined before. Specifically, insomnia showed a significant change in women, with a higher rate of 2.6%. Although the prevalence of depression was initially low, it increased from 0.4% to 1.3% during the pandemic. Anxiety rates also showed notable differences, particularly among women, with a higher rate of 4.7%. The highest differences in prevalence were observed in the low-income group, with a rate of 7.7% for anxiety. The findings highlight the vulnerability of police officers to psychosocial effects during disasters such as pandemics. Disaster preparedness programs or education can be integrated into new police officer training institutions to help manage mental health changes and promote overall well-being.

The program of psychological preparedness of servicemen is the basis of readiness for military and professional activities

Given the current events, the supply of weapons and military equipment by partner countries and its rapid development in everyday military life, the nature of combat operations against the Russian aggressor, we can conclude that modern combat does not exclude the occurrence of close combat between military personnel, units (groups) and the enemy, which may turn into hand-to-hand combat. The analysis of combat operations and experience has shown that most close combat engagements in wartime are conducted indoors, in populated areas, in wooded areas, in a limited area, in trenches, etc. In addition to the above, hand-to-hand combat is possible in cases of absence or loss of personal weapons and in conditions where the use of personal weapons is impossible or inappropriate for any reason.&#x0D; The use of hand-to-hand combat means is a weapon that cannot be seen, but is always available to the soldier. The ability to master hand-to-hand combat techniques in certain situations when facing the enemy can be the only means and factor in achieving a successful outcome in combat, preserving the life and health of subordinate personnel, personal and fellow soldiers.&#x0D; The training of military personnel and structural units in general for hand-to-hand combat in close combat in order to increase the combat capability of troops remains an urgent issue in modern combat. After all, hand-to-hand combat is an effective factor and element in the development and improvement of the physical, psychological and combat readiness of military personnel.&#x0D; Thus, it is expedient to develop, substantiate and experimentally test the effectiveness of the program of psychological preparedness of servicemen for military and professional activities based on the use of hand-to-hand combat.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Medical Officers on Disaster Preparedness: Study from Base Hospital Panadura (BHP) and Kethumathi Maternity Hospital (KMH), Panadura in Western Province

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Climate change is contributing to increased disasters in the world. As the disaster events are rising, health, socio-economic and political consequences are inevitable. Therefore, managing disasters to reduce the risk and impacts is given high priority in any development agendas. In this context, emergency and disaster preparedness have become a vital element in disaster management. To manage disaster induced health impacts that include deaths and injuries, hospitals play a major role. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical officers on disaster preparedness in two key hospitals in the country. The present study focused on the medical officers in Base Hospital Panadura (BHP) and Kethumathi Maternity Hospital (KMH) regarding disaster preparedness. Cross-sectional research was designed to collect data from the health personnel working in two hospitals through a questionnaire which was prepared and distributed online. Data were collected from 95 and 17 doctors, who were randomly chosen, from BHP and KMH respectively. The majority of the respondents (93%) stated that hospital disaster preparedness plans could assist in reducing morbidity and mortality during an event of a disaster. In both hospitals, 40% of respondents were familiar with the disaster preparedness (DP) programs and 60 % were aware that such programs exist in their hospital. Around 67% and 65% of the medical officers from BHP and KMH respectively had stated that the prior experience of the medical officers is the key to handling a post disaster health management. The statistical analysis indicated that knowledge and practices of the medical officers were significantly linked to DP while the attitudes of the participants did not demonstrate any link to the DP programs. In summary, enhancing knowledge and good practices aiming at post disaster medical care as well as enhanced disaster preparedness activities among the medical officers contribute to disaster risk reduction.&#x0D; Keywords: Disaster preparedness, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Medical officers&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its contribution to the development of Humanitarian Diplomacy

This article deals with the role of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the development of humanitarian diplomacy. As one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world, the IFRC plays a key role in coordinating and providing assistance in emergencies, as well as in strengthening international cooperation and advocacy. The article analyses the main areas of IFRC activities, including its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in areas of armed conflict, natural disasters and other crisis situations. The mechanisms of the Federation's interaction with state structures, international organizations and non-governmental actors are considered, and their effectiveness is assessed. Special attention is paid to such aspects as resource mobilization, development and implementation of emergency preparedness programs, and support and protection of vulnerable groups. The author provides a detailed analysis of key initiatives and programs implemented by the IFRC, such as the “More Than Aid” strategy, the “Time for Humanitarian Action” initiative and climate change programs. The article uses general scientific methods and the method of situation analysis, which made it possible to determine the scope of scientific research and clarify the basic concepts and categories associated with the formation and development of the phenomenon of humanitarian diplomacy. In the process of preparing the article, such general scientific methods of cognition as analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, comparison, analogy, abstraction and generalization were used. A comprehensive and systematic study of the topic of the article is missing in the science of international relations. The article concludes on the relevance of the IFRC's activities for the development of humanitarian diplomacy and gives recommendations for strengthening its role in the future. The author proposes strategic directions to improve the IFRC's engagement with various actors in the international arena and to coordinate humanitarian efforts better globally.

Training Public Health Nurses on Disaster Shelter Care Using a Flipped Classroom Approach.

With the increase in natural disasters and the expected role of public health nurses (PHNs) in responding, it is crucial to develop evidence-based disaster preparedness and management training programs tailored to the needs of PHNs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach in disaster training for PHNs. A total of 42 PHNs completed a 5-hour online training program and an in-person 8-hour training session at a local nursing school. Surveys measuring self-reported confidence and knowledge were completed at the beginning and end of the online and in-person training. The average years of experience as an RN and PHN were 12.3 years and 6.7 years, respectively. Approximately 64% of participants had never deployed during a disaster. The pre- and posttest demonstrated a large effect size, indicating the effectiveness of both online and in-person training. The online training resulted in significant changes in knowledge. The in-person training showed a statistically significant increase in confidence across all measures. Online and in-person disaster preparedness training programs can effectively enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of PHNs. The majority of participants expressed that the training better prepared them to work in disaster shelters.

Economic impact of monsoon flood on the household income in Malaysia: A two-level analysis

Malaysia is located in the north of the equator and composed of two regions which are peninsular Malaysia and east Malaysia. The country is characterized by southwest monsoon which is the drier weather that start from late May to September and northwest monsoon that start from November to March. The Northwest monsoon comes with heavy rains in Peninsular Malaysia, and it usually leads to floods. Floods can have a lot of negative socio-economic impacts on the country such as loss of livelihood and a decrease in purchasing power and production, which subsequently affect the country’s economic growth and development. The objective of this study is to investigate the economic impact of monsoon floods on the household income in Malaysia and across its states. The data used in this study were obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia. The study period covered by the study is from 2016 to 2021. The method used in this study is the panel data regression analysis, which includes the pooled OLS, fixed effect, random effect, and robust model. The result reveals that monsoon flood has a negative impact on household income both at aggregate and disaggregate levels. At Malaysia’s level, the number of floods shows a negative impact on household income. While at the state level, the result shows that some of the states such as Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu and Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur are significantly negatively affected. Meanwhile, the states of Johor, Melaka, Pulau Pinang and Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan, are not negatively affected. As such, it is recommended that the responsible authority, such as the government and policymakers should enhance their monsoon flood preparedness and mitigation programs.

Enhancing Nurses' Disaster Management and Preparedness: Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online Educational Program Through a Quasi-Experimental Study.

Disaster management is an ongoing international concern, and nurses play essential roles in minimizing negative impacts on the health of communities. However, many nurses have limited knowledge and skills on how to respond to disasters effectively. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed educational program on improving nurses' disaster management and preparedness. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 88 nurses working at a public hospital. The educational program included six modules covering various aspects of disaster management. Pre-and post-tests were administered to evaluate changes in perceptions of disaster management competencies. Independent sample t-test, Pearson coefficient correlation, and One-way ANOVA tests were all run using SPSS. A significant proportion of nurses (78.4%) reported ongoing training in disaster management, while a smaller percentage (21.6%) expressed a contrary opinion. Nurses also had a moderate level of agreement with the disaster preparedness program (Pretest: 2.26 ± 0.34; post-test: 2.29 ± 0.31). Further, the results showed small improvements in nursing perceptions of the operational plan after the educational program (Pretest: M=2.76, SD=0.63; Post-test: M=2.89, SD=0.44), although the differences between pre-and-post assessments were not significant (P > 0.05). The mean values for overall familiarity in the pre-test were 3.16 ± 1.39, while in the post-test, they slightly increased to 3.26 ± 1.18. The findings also showed no statistically significant differences reported in nurses' attitudes and familiarity towards disaster preparedness based on the gender, marital status, nationality, working shifts, and working hours variables (P > 0.05). This study demonstrated the significance of providing nurses with the essential knowledge that helps respond to disasters. Online educational programs can help improve nurses' preparedness to better manage disasters. Future research should investigate additional variables that could enhance nurses' knowledge and skills related to disaster response.

Spatial distribution, temporal trends and impact of landslides on São Miguel Island from 1900 to 2020 based on an analysis of the Azores historical natural hazards database

Landslides are the most frequent type of natural hazard in the Azores archipelago, primarily due to the volcanic nature and geomorphologic features of the islands. The NATHA (Natural Hazards in Azores) database is a repository of documents reporting those natural disaster events that have occurred on the Azores since their settlement in the mid-fifteenth century. This work presents and explores the landslide events that have occurred on São Miguel Island in the period 1900–2020. A total of 236 landslide events were catalogued. The temporal distribution of the landslide events reveals a higher concentration of events after 1996, which is related to a change in the rainfall regime but also to the increasing dissemination of information. The influence of climate change on landslide occurrence is demonstrated for the first time in the Azores. The landslide events catalogued in the NATHA database were responsible for 82 fatalities, 41 injuries and 305 people made homeless, while 66 buildings were partially or completely destroyed. The spatial distribution of landslide events shows that Povoação is the municipality most prone to landslide occurrence as well as to landslide impact. Rainfall was the triggering factor of most landslide events (70%) on São Miguel Island, and landslide events have been most frequent during the wettest months of the year from November to March. The obtained results demonstrate the need of landslides prevention and preparedness programs in specific areas of São Miguel Island.

Disaster Resilience and Preparedness Program Evaluation for Enhancement

The study was conducted to evaluate the level of disaster resilience and preparedness among the members of the MDRRMC and BDRRMC in the Municipality of Alabel, Sarangani Province. Descriptive-correlative research design were utilized employing quantitative method. Data were gathered through survey questionnaires administered to 219 respondents. Key Informant Interviews were conducted among 9 members of the BDRRMC to triangulate the quantitative data. The gathered data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson correlation. The findings of the study revealed that there was a proportional number of male and female respondents of which majority of them belong to adult aged group. Majority of the respondents are government employees and government officials who are college graduates. The level of disaster resilience of the respondents in terms of the five areas on governance, risk assessment, knowledge and education, risk management and vulnerability reduction, and disaster preparedness and response are relatively high with a verbal description of high resilience. On the level of disaster preparedness among the respondents, the results revealed that the members are always prepared based on the four areas for likelihood of being impacted by a national hazard, vulnerability of physical structures, people, and livelihoods, barangay-level planning and individual’s preparation for disaster, and individual’s sense of control over their own lives and their ability to participate and influence their community and government. In relation to the disaster resilience and preparedness experiences, three themes emerged in this study as perceived by the informants and these are: (1) Planning and Preparation, (2) Issues and Challenges, and (3) Coping Mechanism. Generally, there is a moderate positive correlation between disaster resilience and disaster preparedness among the respondents (r= .449).

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ONLINE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM FOR CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Individuals with medical conditions, including persons with dementia (PWD), are vulnerable in disaster situations. Disasters limit caregivers’ ability to continue with care due to stress, reduced resources and limited social support. We previously developed and tested a disaster preparedness program for older adults, Disaster PrepWise, and showed its impact on improving preparedness and personal emergency support networks. Through community engaged approaches, we adopted this program to specifically support family caregivers of PWD. Contents were revised based on the emergency management and dementia caregiving literature, and input from the stakeholder advisory board (SAB) consisting of caregivers, aging service providers, public health, and emergency management agencies. The SAB also provided guidance on implementation strategies from the lens of over-burdened caregivers. The new program includes a five-step process with an emphasis on the needs of caregivers and caregiving tasks, for example, developing emergency caregiving network to be activated during and after a disaster. The program also informs caregivers of tasks involved in the event of an emergency and provides various information such as how to navigate staying at public shelters with PWD, identify services during and after an emergency, and manage stress. Preliminary data shows high levels of acceptance and perceived usefulness of this caregiver-specific program. The program is perceived to fill a gap in current disaster management approaches that have limited ability to support vulnerable populations. Caregivers and service providers also praised this program’s ability to connect caregivers to community programs and resources. Additional pilot data will be presented.

Influence Of M&amp;E Training On Sustainability Of Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program In Uasin Gishu County

Influence Of M&amp;E Training On Sustainability Of Disaster Emergency Preparedness Program In Uasin Gishu County

Analysis of P4K Filling in The MCH Book with Factor of Maternal Death Based on Three Delays (3T) in 2022 In The Jember District

The Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Program (P4K) is an effort to overcome maternal mortality by reducing three delays (3T), late decision-making, late reaching health facilities, and late getting treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze P4K filling in maternal and child health (MCH) books with the causes of maternal death based on three delays (3T). The method used in this study is quantitative and descriptive using data on 58 cases of maternal death found at the Jember District Health Office. The results of this study were that there were 15 (25.8%) cases of maternal death with P4K in the MCH handbook which were incompletely filled in and identified as experiencing three delays and 12 (20.6%) cases of maternal death with P4K in the MCH handbook which were not filled out. This research can be used as material for evaluating the Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Program (P4K).

Clinical preparedness programme as perceived by first-year diagnostic radiography students in South Africa.

There is an increasing emphasis on exploring ways to improve students' transition from the classroom into the clinical environment. Diagnostic radiography (DR) students undergo rigorous theoretical and practical training before they are exposed to the clinical environment. It has been found that when DR students commence clinical learning in the workplace for the very first time, they experience difficulties in this transition. At the site of investigation, a newly integrated and dedicated clinical preparedness (CP) programme was offered; however, little is known about the DR students' perceptions of this programme. A qualitative approach coupled with a self-developed, cross-sectional research tool was employed. First-year DR students were purposefully sampled against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The principle of voluntary participation was upheld throughout the data collection process. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six steps of thematic analysis. Forty-two responses were collected. Following a thematic analysis, two overarching themes were developed, namely: (1) reflections on the CP programme and (2) suggestions for future CP programmes. This study demonstrated the need for effective CP programmes as an approach to ease the transition of first-year DR students from the classroom into the clinical environment. Several suggestions, for example, an extended CP programme and a clinical information pack were made for the offering of similar programmes in the future.