Hospital disaster emergency preparedness: A study of Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital, Northern Namibia

Abstract

This study explored disaster emergency preparedness at Onandjokwe Lutheran Hospital in Northern
Namibia. It utilized quantitative and qualitative research methods, using a self-administered
questionnaire, semi-structured key informant interviews, and a hospital disaster plan checklist. A
stratified sample of 120 participants was used with a response rate of 75% and the sample included all
staff categorises within the hospital. Five key informants were purposively selected from the
management team. In addition, one environmental health officer was selected from non-managerial
staff members. The key informants were members of the hospital emergency preparedness committee
and command and control unit. The questionnaires were self-administered which enabled the
respondents to respond freely and at their convenience. The questionnaire was pre-tested, adjusted and
finalised. Face-to-face semi-structured key informant interviews allowed for clarifications and followup
questions on overall disaster emergency preparedness process. Through the use of open-ended
questions the respondents were encouraged to express their opinions and offer more information. The
checklist was used to check and determine the components of the hospital’s disaster plan against the
actual processes in the hospital. Most of the respondents were young females aged between 20 and 30
years. The results indicated a fair knowledge of the principled conduct and abilities to respond to
emergencies including disease outbreaks. It was established that positive efforts in disaster preparedness
were being effected. However, even though the hospital has a good draft disaster plan, more is to be
done on training, revisions, and infrastructure alignments.