WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Maria Della C. Raneses, Minerva B. De Ala and Rodel A. Ninofranco

ABSTRACT

This study determined the healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) emergency response preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic in Albay. It employed sequential explanatory mixed methods with 2 phases. First phase utilized a standardized tool by Al-Ashwal et al. (2020) with Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test of .92. Second phase utilized a validated interview guide. One hundred nine (109) HCPs were selected through purposive sampling. Paper underwent ethics review and employed an informed consent. Data gathering was done through survey and in-depth interviews through limited face-to-face following health protocols and guidelines. Data were treated through frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and explored through reflexive thematic analysis. Findings revealed that HCPs are aged 20-29 years (43.12%), females (61.47%), college graduates (82.57%), nurses (80.73%), in general wards (47.71%), and length of service is 4-6 years (34.86%). They are Prepared, with 3.24 composite mean, in emergency response preparedness during COVID-19 pandemic. Identified issues and concerns in the emergency response preparedness are underscored in 6 themes: insufficient medicines, supplies, equipment and staff, good pay/better benefits in the care of COVID-19 patients, occupational safety and health, up-skilling/re-skilling, mental health, and resilience. The study concluded that the HCPs are dynamic young adults in the realm of healthcare, steadfastly working in government hospitals, and are adequately able when COVID-19 pandemic occurred. It further articulated that drawbacks arise in their day to day care, management and services to their clients during the time of pandemic. These drawbacks need to be addressed by the hospital administrators and by the provincial government of Albay.