Who is willing to risk his life for a patient with a potentially fatal, communicable disease during the peak of A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel?

Background: The willingness of healthcare workers to risk their lives for a patient with a potentially fatal, communicable disease is a major concern, especially during a pandemic where the need for adequate staffing is crucial and where the public atmosphere might enhance anxiety and fear of exposure.

Objective: To examine the relationships between the willingness of healthcare workers to risk their lives for a patient with a potentially fatal A/H1N1 flu, and knowledge of personal protection against infection, and trust in colleagues, workplace preparedness and the effectiveness of safety measures, during the winter A/H1N1 pandemic in Israel.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to healthcare workers in 21 hospitals in Israel between 26 November 2009 and 10 December 2009 (the peak of the winter A/H1N1 flu outbreak). The questionnaire was completed by 1147 healthcare workers.

Results: Willingness to risk one's life for a patient was significantly lower in females, respondents of younger age (18-24 years), administrative staff, and those with a non-academic education, as well as among those with a less knowledge about safety measures and among those with less trust in colleagues, in work place preparedness, and in the effectiveness of safety measures.

Conclusions: Willingness to risk one's life for a patient is related to knowledge of safety measures, and trust in colleagues and work place preparedness. Education programs to enhance trust in colleagues, improve work place preparedness, and safety measures are recommended, especially for healthcare workers who are young, inexperienced, female, or administrative staff.