Survey of hospital staff attitudes toward continuing to work or reporting to work in the event of a nuclear disaster

Abstract

【Purpose】 To analyze the results of a survey of hospital employees’ attitudes toward continuing to work or attending work in the event of a nuclear disaster and to identify issues related to continuing hospital operations. 【Methods】 A questionnaire survey was administered to all employees of Hospital A. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the χ² test. 【Results】The survey was distributed to 697 employees, and 600 responded (86.1% response rate, 99.7% valid response rate). Of the respondents, 64 (10.7%) were able to continue working or attend work, 139 (23.2%) were not able to, and 397 (66.2%) were able to with conditions. Significant differences were found between the two counties in terms of willingness to continue working in health professions and other professions. 【Considerations】 The conditions for continuing to work were concentrated on safety and information. The significant difference between the two counties was presumably due to differences in radiation-related knowledge and the availability of learning opportunities. 【Conclusion】 It is suggested that education on nuclear disasters for all employees is necessary to ensure the continuity of hospital operations in the event of a nuclear disaster.