ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF PAREPAREDNESS, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR DISSASTER RESPONSE IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN SAUDI ARABIA USING THE COVID-19 PANDMIC AS CASE STDUY

Abstract

Abstract Background: The impact of natural or man-made disasters could take years to recover from. The COVID-19 pandemic is an example of a public health disaster that requires a good healthcare system to deal successfully with the emergency. Aim: This study assesses the level of preparedness, knowledge, and skills of the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with an online survey distributed through an app and email to healthcare providers and emergency managers in Ministry of Health hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The results show no statistically significant relationship between gender and knowledge for healthcare providers (p = 0.42). Moreover, the results show that degrees do not make a difference in knowledge levels (p = 0.69). The statistics show that there was a significant difference in knowledge levels between providers and managers t(112) = -6.0, p < .001. Conclusion: The level of preparedness of healthcare providers falls within the standards, from average to advanced levels. However, the level of knowledge of healthcare managers is higher than the healthcare providers. There is no relationship between the knowledge and level of education for both the healthcare providers and healthcare managers.