Willingness of frontline health care workers to work during a public health emergency

As the effectiveness of a health care response during a disaster depends on an available, skilled and motivated front line health workforce, it is essential to understand and address potential barriers to their participation. We conducted a survey of front line health staff employed in a large regional health workforce in Australia to determine their perceived willingness to report to work during three public health emergency scenarios (weather event, influenza pandemic and bioterrorism event). While willingness to report to work differed by scenario, our research indicated that a similar framework for preparing staff and their families could apply to all disaster scenarios. To ensure that frontline health staff will report to work when they are most needed, response plans should ensure personal confidence in their defined role, emphasising the value of their role and addressing their family concerns.