Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-wzw2p Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-05-31T12:46:44.760Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
Accepted manuscript

Perceptions of Healthcare Workers on the Attributes of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in Zimbabwe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 May 2024

Farai Mteliso*
Affiliation:
Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Department of Management Information Systems, School of Applied Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia via Mersin 10 Turkey, Cyprus, Email: 21803232@student.ciu.edu.tr
Ahmet Adalier
Affiliation:
Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Department of Management Information Systems, School of Applied Sciences, Cyprus International University, Nicosia via Mersin 10 Turkey, Cyprus, Email: aadalier@ciu.edu.tr
Noble J. Malunguza
Affiliation:
Department of Insurance and Actuarial Science, Faculty of Commerce, National University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box AC 939, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Email: noble.malunguza@nust.ac.zw
Edward T. Chiyaka
Affiliation:
Department of Social Sciences & Outpatient Practice, Wingate University School of Pharmacy, 515 N Main St, Wingate, NC, USA, Email: e.chiyaka@wingate.edu
*
Correspondence Author: Farai Mteliso, Address: Ali Nihat Guran Sokak Mar 41 Apartment Gonyeli Lefkosa. Via Mersin 10 Turkey, Telephone: +905338642957, Email: 21803232@student.ciu.edu.tr

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate healthcare workers’ perceptions of the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers (HCWs) was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022 to assess their perceptions of the IDSR system attributes.

Results:

Of the 409 respondents, 12 (2.9%) reported no prior training on disease surveillance. The IDSR was deemed simple, acceptable, useful, and timely by most participants. There were sharp differences in perceptions of flexibility and simplicity between doctors and the other healthcare professionals. However, acceptability, timeliness, and usefulness were uniformly perceived. Healthcare workers with at least 11-years’ experience perceived the usefulness of the IDSR system significantly higher than those with lesser years of experience. However, work experience did not have an impact on HCWs perceptions of the simplicity, timeliness, and flexibility of the IDSR system.

Conclusions:

Most healthcare workers have positive perceptions of the IDSR approach. However, there are reservations about how well the system can adapt to changing conditions and demands (flexibility) and how well it simplifies the implementation processes. These findings demonstrate the necessity of adopting cutting-edge strategies for capacity building as well as ongoing professional development of healthcare professionals responsible for the implementation of the IDSR strategy.

Type
Original Research
Copyright
© 2024 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)