Date of Award

8-11-2008

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Pamela J. Kalbfleisch

Abstract

Due to the increasing likelihood of a pandemic it has become crucial that healthcare centers be adequately prepared for the unique challenges a pandemic Will present. Rural hospitals face additional challenges due to their remote nature and a lack of shared resources that larger communities possess. Because of their unique characteristics, pandemic preparedness is of the utmost importance for rural hospitals. Effective pandemic preparedness education is critical to ensure the fullest use of available resources including staff, equipment, medicine, facilities, etc. Efficient use of available resources Will likely result in a reduction of illness and potential loss of life. This study investigated the extent to which pandemic preparedness coordinators perceive there is adequate communication between themselves, and the North Dakota State Health Department (NDSHD) and the North Dakota Healthcare Association (NDHA). Participants (N = 20) responded to a survey that identified a lack of sufficient communication to be successful as pandemic coordinators. Additionally, the data suggest there is no perceive significant difference in the ability to send or receive communication from the NDSHD or the NDHA. The results of this study suggest there is a significant perception by pandemic preparedness coordinators that they do not have adequate information to successfully implement programs addressing the unique challenges of a pandemic. This perceived gap in communication suggests either a misunderstanding in what is expected on behalf of the coordinators and/or ineffective communication coming from the NDSHD and the NDHA. These gaps can result in poor preparedness, leading to increased illness and possible higher rates of mortality.

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