Assessment of preparedness for response to COVID-19 by two hospitals in the Gaza Strip

Abstract

Background: Hospital preparedness enables the healthcare delivery system to save lives during emergencies that surpass the day-to-day capacity of existing response systems. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected all aspects of life worldwide, and in the Gaza Strip particularly. Aims: We assessed the preparedness of 2 hospitals in the Gaza Strip for response to COVID-19. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nurses and physicians between July 2020 and October 2021 at the European Gaza Hospital and the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, 2 hospitals dedicated to the reception and care of COVID-19 patients in the Gaza Strip. Data were collected using a structured, selfadministered questionnaire and a checklist. The data were analysed using SPSS, version 23. Frequencies and descriptive data were used to assess the variables. Inferential statistics such as ANOVA and t-test were used to determine the significance and differences between the variables. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.903. Results: The majority of the participants were nurses (77.5%) and they showed a high level of knowledge and training regarding the response to COVID-19 pandemic (73.4 %). Their perception of the preparedness of their hospitals in terms of work environment and availability of resources was average (63.6%). Around 70% perceived COVID-19 to have had a negative effect on their personal lives and work. Conclusion: The preparedness level at the 2 hospitals was unsatisfactory (55.75%). Further research is recommended to assess the level of hospital preparedness from the viewpoint of other healthcare workers.