Recorded presentation

Sandra W. Kuntz, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Montana State University-Bozeman, Missoula Campus, 32 Campus Drive 7416, Missoula, MT 59801, 406-243-2551, skuntz@montana.edu

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between intersectoral collaboration and level of disaster preparedness among local public health agencies (counties and tribes) in Montana. This research specifically addressed Essential Public Health Services #4 (mobilize partnerships) and #10 (research for new insights).

Methods: A descriptive, correlational study design was used to explore the research questions for this project. The Montana Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity Assessment created a critical capacities baseline and documented the current status of local agency activity in six specific focus areas: a) preparedness planning and readiness assessment; b) surveillance and epidemiology capacity; c) laboratory capacity; d) communications and information technology; e) risk communication; and f) workforce education and training. An Emergency Preparedness Index (EPI) scoring matrix was developed to generate a continuous measure of preparedness. Next, a research crosswalk linked Capacity Assessment items to predictor variables (indicators of collaboration) and the response variable (preparedness). Multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate how well six nominal and continuous indicators of collaboration in four categories (communication, linkages, state of partnership, and education/training) predicted preparedness.

Findings: Multiple regression analysis supported the premise that process-related collaboration factors are significant predictors of public health emergency preparedness. A positive linear relationship between the response variable and each of the six predictor (collaboration indicator) models was found.

Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of specific collaborative activities among system partners (joint education and training, formal agreements, linkages, and direct/electronic communication), necessary for improving and/or sustaining public health agency level of preparedness for disasters and emerging threats.

This abstract is submitted for consideration for the “New Investigator Symposium” This dissertation research was completed under the guidance of Dr. Ray Thron (chair) at Walden University; date of graduation 2-28-04.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the components of the Emergency Preparedness Index (EPI) scoring tool.
• Describe the relationship between collaboration indicators and level of public health agency preparedness.

Keywords: Disasters, Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation