iRise: Understanding How Health Workers in LMICs Respond to Emergencies and Disasters
Healthcare professionals frequently confront ongoing risks associated with acute disasters, such as extreme weather events, and protracted public health crises. One pivotal determinant influencing the willingness of Emergency Department-based healthcare workers (HCWs) to respond in these emergencies is their self-confidence in managing these situations.
Regrettably, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is a notable lack of emphasis on adequately preparing the healthcare workforce for such disasters, despite the escalating awareness of the threats they present.
There is a beacon of hope in the utilization of mobile health technology (mHealth) to address this challenge, particularly when resources are constrained. CETE's iRise research study primarily focuses on harnessing the potential of mHealth to enhance self-efficacy and bolster the willingness to respond among emergency healthcare workers.
The iRise project is a collaborative endeavor that not only showcases a model for research and training in resource-constrained settings but also tackles a critical necessity head-on.