Factors Affecting the Intention of Healthcare Providers in Responding to Disasters: A Systematic Literature Review

A significant challenge in disaster response operations is the willingness of healthcare providers (HCPs) to engage and work in critical situations. Therefore, identifying the factors associated with the intention to participate in disaster response operations will lead to planning better and coping with such situations. 

This systematic literature review aims to determine the factors affecting the intention of HCPs to work in disaster response operations.

In this systematic literature review, a search strategy was developed using keywords in relevant articles to obtain relevant studies published between 1950 and November 1, 2020. Those keywords were obtained through consultation with experts’ opinions in disaster risk management and a medical librarian. This study was designed as a systematic review, following the PRISMA (the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Databases examined included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The relevant data (title, author/s, year of publication, country, population of HCPs, sample size, response rate, study design, tools, data collection method, and type of disasters) in the included studies were extracted using a checklist designed for this purpose. Then, the factors affecting staff intention were categorized by thematic analysis.

Out of 5721 retrieved articles, 16 were enrolled in this review. Extracted factors affecting the staff intention to work were classified into 3 main categories and 16 subcategories as follows: organizational factors (supply management, risk management, organizational environment, organizational climate, managerial support, financial incentives), personal factors (demographic, familial, beliefs and values, health status, individual experiences, knowledge and education, occupational, self-efficacy), and nature of disaster (type of disaster).

The results of this study showed that the intention and motivation of the HCPs to work in the disaster response phase depends on the type of disaster, the risks affecting their health and their families, commitment to the community, professional and financial issues, and responsibility.