Anesthesiologists and Disaster Medicine A Needs Assessment for Education and Training and Reported Willingness to Respond

A web-based survey of anesthesiologists was conducted to assess self-reported perceptions of knowledge and skills, as well as attitudes and beliefs regarding education and training, employee development, professional obligation, safety, psychological readiness, efficacy, personal preparedness, and willingness to respond during a natural disaster, pandemic flu, and a radiological event. Few respondents indicated that they think they receive sufficient education for disaster response, and most think that their hospitals should provide this training to them. The authors recommend that additional training be provided, and support for staff to meet family obligations be put in place to encourage providers to come to work during disasters.