Knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and willingness to report to work in an earthquake: A pilot study comparing Canadian versus Israeli hospital nursing staff

- We modeled two hospitals from different countries which are vulnerable to seismic threats.
- Willingness to report after an earthquake and related preparedness dimensions were assessed.
- Earthquake-related knowledge levels were generally low among both samples.
- Professional solidarity was a common predictor of willingness to report to work after an earthquake.
- Increasing nurses' willingness to respond after an earthquake may mitigate future consequences.

BackgroundHealth practitioners are expected to respond effectively to an earthquake event and provide lifesaving treatment to an influx of casualties. Understanding the factors that may influence nurses' willingness to report (WTR) in different social contexts and preparedness approaches is crucial for improving preparedness of medical facilities.MethodsA questionnaire based on a previously validated methodology was used to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and WTR of nurses after an earthquake. The questionnaire was disseminated among a sample of 56 Israeli and 127 Canadian nurses, from two tertiary care hospitals, located in risk regions.ResultsWTR was generally higher among Canadian versus Israeli nurses (74% vs. 64%). Knowledge and perceptions of organizational-efficacy were generally higher among Israeli nurses. 'Concern for family's well-being' and 'professional commitment to care' were reported by the largest proportion of nurses as factors that might influence WTR. A common significant predictor of WTR among both samples was the belief that 'colleagues will also report to work'.ConclusionAlthough different preparedness approaches or emergency experience in Canada and Israel may cause differences in nurses' preparedness, some factors seem to be cross-cultural and may play a key role in increasing nurses' willingness to report after an earthquake.