Factors influencing the effectiveness of public health emergency preparedness: a cross-sectional study from China

To identify the factors that impair the effectiveness of public health emergency drills in China by assessing staff perspectives for improvements, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in Heilongjiang, a province in northeastern China by stratified cluster sampling. The staff perceived the inadequacy of equipment and facilities for scenario training (practice drills) to be the most important factors that impair response capacity. Conversely, integrated knowledge and skill-oriented emergency skills were enhanced during scenario training, as well as if such training were repeated periodically. We found that funding constraints, lack of departmental coordination, and insufficient leadership attention adversely affect the response capacity and effectiveness. A greater focus on emergency training and participation in simulated drills improves the preparedness of public health personnel to face crises. We consider the equipping of CDC staff with practical skills to face complex emergencies a priority, which will require a strategic decision to increase funding for equipment, leadership training support, and effective emergency coordination.