Investigation of the knowledge, attitude and behavior of medical personnel and related needs for emergency rescue in public health emergencies.

BACKGROUND

The frequent occurrence of Public Health Emergencies (PHEs) presents a significant challenge to global health security. As the primary responders in PHE situations, the comprehensive capabilities of medical personnel to address these emergencies are of global concern.

AIM

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of medical personnel regarding emergency rescue in public health emergencies in Guizhou Province, China. Additionally, it seeks to explore their related needs to inform the development of intervention strategies, ultimately enhancing the ability of medical personnel to manage public health emergencies.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of medical personnel concerning emergency rescue and the related needs of PHEs. Data collection involved a questionnaire evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of medical personnel regarding the emergency rescue of PHEs, along with a self-designed questionnaire assessing the needs of medical personnel in responding to PHEs. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were utilized to analyze the factors influencing medical personnel's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in response to PHEs.

RESULTS

A total of 4,074 medical personnel were surveyed. The results indicated that the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of medical personnel regarding PHEs were at a high level. Additionally, the related needs of medical personnel for PHEs included training, psychological support, and behavioral support. Differences were observed in the scores of emergency rescue knowledge among medical personnel based on age, years of experience, educational background, and positions (P < 0.05). Furthermore, variations in scores related to emergency rescue were noted across different age groups, years of experience, educational backgrounds, and professional titles (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in the scores of medical staff based on years of experience and hospital grades in their responses to PHEs (P < 0.05). Emergency rescue knowledge was influenced by factors such as anxiety and fear, years of experience, and professional titles when confronted with PHEs. Similarly, anxiety and fear, years of experience, and professional titles were identified as influencing factors for emergency rescue attitudes. Lastly, the grade of the hospital where the medical staff were employed emerged as a significant factor affecting emergency rescue behavior.

CONCLUSION

Medical personnel play a vital role in the emergency rescue of PHEs however, there are notable differences in their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. It is recommended that targeted training, psychological support, and behavioral incentives be strengthened to enhance their capacity for effective response.