African Oncology Nursing | 19 June 2006
Crisis Management Training for Hospital Staff During the 2006 Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo
M, b, o, n, y, e, B, a, n, g, a, i, c, h, a, n, g, u, e
Abstract
During the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), healthcare workers faced unprecedented challenges managing an outbreak with limited resources and inadequate training. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including pre- and post-training assessments of knowledge, skills, and attitudes among healthcare workers; qualitative interviews to understand challenges faced during the outbreak; and a structured evaluation of training effectiveness. Staff demonstrated increased confidence in managing Ebola cases (mean score increase by 30%) and improved adherence to infection control practices. However, significant barriers included inadequate personal protective equipment availability (25% reported shortages). The crisis management training significantly enhanced healthcare workers' preparedness for Ebola outbreaks, but logistical issues highlighted the need for better resource allocation. Continuous professional development should be prioritised to address ongoing challenges. Enhanced supply chain planning is essential to ensure consistent access to critical resources like PPE. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.