The present study aimed to analyze the factors that influence the increase in the desire to re-engage volunteer rescuers and saviors of the Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study involved the participation of volunteers who had not volunteered in the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) for at least one year but expressed a willingness to be re-engaged. The semi-structured in-depth interview process and data collection continued until the theoretical saturation stage was reached. The collected data was analyzed using the interpretive approach and the 7-step Claesian method.

The results show that several factors influence the increase in the desire to reengage volunteer rescuers and members of IRCS. These factors were categorized into 136 codes, 63 main codes, 20 clusters, 7 classes, and 3 themes, namely “organizational support and understanding,” “work characteristics,” and “organizational credibility.” The results of the study indicate that each of the identified factors plays a significant role in the dynamics of the re-engagement process for rescuers and volunteer rescuers within the IRCS.

The experiences of volunteer rescuers and members can be utilized to enhance the recruitment and retention of volunteer human resources within the IRCS.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems throughout the world. This study was designed to develop a national health emergency management program based on risk assessment for COVID-19.

Mixed-methods research was used. Based on recommendations of the national epidemiology committee, 2 risk scenarios were used as basic scenarios for risk assessment. Two rounds of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted between January and May 2020 with 30 representatives of the health system. The data were collected, analyzed, and integrated by the research team.

In the risk matrix, “contamination of environment and individuals” and “burnout of medical staff” occupied the red zone (intolerable risk). “Defects in screening and admissions,” “process disruption in medical care and rehabilitation,” “increased mental disorders,” “social dissatisfaction,” “the decline in healthcare services,” and “loss of medical staff” were identified as the orange zone (significant risk) of the matrix.

The avoidance of environmental and individual contamination and healthcare worker burnout are the priorities in Iran. Attention to intersectoral cooperation, the involvement of non-governmental organizations and private center capacities, integration of information health systems, and developing evidence-based protocols are other measures that can improve the health system’s capacity in the response COVID-19.

Identification of hospital preparedness challenges against biological events such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is essential to improve dynamics, quality, and business continuity confidence in the health system. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the challenges of hospital preparedness in biological events.

This study used a qualitative method using content analysis in which 20 health-care managers and experts who are experienced in biological events were selected through purposeful sampling. The data collection was done through semi-structured interviews, which continued until data saturation. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis as well as the Landman and Graneheim Approach.

Six main concepts (training and practice, resource management, safety and health, patient management, risk communication, and laboratory and surveillance) and 14 subconcepts were extracted on hospital preparedness challenges in biological events through analyzing interviews.

The present study indicated that the health system of the country faces many challenges in response to biological events and threats. Moreover, study participants indicated that Iranian hospitals were not prepared for biological events. It is recommended to design preparedness plans of hospitals based on preparedness standards for biological events. In addition, comprehensive measures are required to enhance their capacity to respond to biological emergencies.