Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Facing the highly transmissible viral infection referred to as the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) that threatens human life, South African frontline healthcare
professionals have faced a major challenge. Being one of the African countries with a higher
prevalence of COVID-19 cases, this study aimed to assess the preparedness levels of emergency
doctors, nurses and clinical associates in the Tshwane district of South Africa regarding the
COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS : This was a cross-sectional survey using a developed and piloted online questionnaire. It
was conducted in the casualty departments (emergency medical units) of seven hospitals in the
Tshwane district of South Africa. Only emergency doctors, nurses and clinical associates took part.
RESULTS : Of the 87 respondents, the mean age was 33.9 years and the minimum and maximum
ages were 22 and 62 years, respectively; 37 (42.5%) were aged 26–30 years, 54 (62.1%) were
females, 46 (52.9%) were single persons, 35 (40.2%) were medical officers, 42 (48.3%) were
healthcare professionals with 0–5 years of experience and 21 (24.1%) were from a provincial
tertiary hospital. Of the healthcare professionals, 63 (72.4%) were assessed as being prepared
regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSIONS : The current online survey demonstrated a good preparedness level
regarding the COVID-19 pandemic management amongst frontline healthcare professionals
working in seven hospitals of the Tshwane district. An educational training programme on
disaster management or the COVID-19 pandemic should be implemented to ensure that all
frontline healthcare professionals are adequately prepared for current and future outbreaks.
