Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings

Faseeh Iqbal; Sami Iqbal; Umar Farooq; Khadija Shakoor; Muhammad Hammad; Fatima Noreen

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

J Pub Health Comm Med. 2026; 5(1): 96-104

doi: 10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings

Faseeh Iqbal, Sami Iqbal, Umar Farooq, Khadija Shakoor, Muhammad Hammad, Fatima Noreen.

Abstract
Background: Healthcare workers are central to emergency response, and their perceptions of preparedness policies can significantly influence the effectiveness of healthcare service delivery, particularly in low-resource settings.
Objective: To assess healthcare workers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of emergency preparedness policies in managing healthcare service disruptions in Mardan and Swabi, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 511 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff, across public and private healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a self-administered, pretested questionnaire assessing knowledge of emergency preparedness policies, availability of preparedness resources, perceived policy effectiveness, and barriers to implementation. Convenience sampling was employed to ensure representation across different facility types and professional roles. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable linear regression to identify factors associated with perceived policy effectiveness.
Results: Job role (B = 0.185, p < 0.001) and knowledge of emergency preparedness policies (B = 0.192, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of perceived policy effectiveness. Experience (B = 0.111, p < 0.05) and facility type (B = 0.114, p < 0.05) were also significant contributors. The main barriers identified included inadequate funding (49%), insufficient training (43%), and limited staffing (38%).
Conclusion: Emergency preparedness policies were generally perceived as effective by healthcare workers. Nevertheless, targeted interventions to enhance training, financial support, and workforce capacity are essential to strengthen preparedness and improve healthcare service continuity in lowresource settings.

Key words: Emergency preparedness, healthcare disruptions, healthcare workers, policy effectiveness, Healthcare service management, Emergency service delivery.

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How to Cite this Article

Pubmed Style

Iqbal F, Iqbal S, Farooq U, Shakoor K, Hammad M, Noreen F. Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. J Pub Health Comm Med. 2026; 5(1): 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

Web Style

Iqbal F, Iqbal S, Farooq U, Shakoor K, Hammad M, Noreen F. Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. https://www.wisdomgale.com/jphcm/?mno=306717 [Access: June 07, 2026]. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Iqbal F, Iqbal S, Farooq U, Shakoor K, Hammad M, Noreen F. Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. J Pub Health Comm Med. 2026; 5(1): 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Iqbal F, Iqbal S, Farooq U, Shakoor K, Hammad M, Noreen F. Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. J Pub Health Comm Med. (2026), [cited June 07, 2026]; 5(1): 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

Harvard Style

Iqbal, F., Iqbal, . S., Farooq, . U., Shakoor, . K., Hammad, . M. & Noreen, . F. (2026) Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. J Pub Health Comm Med, 5 (1), 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

Turabian Style

Iqbal, Faseeh, Sami Iqbal, Umar Farooq, Khadija Shakoor, Muhammad Hammad, and Fatima Noreen. 2026. Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine, 5 (1), 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

Chicago Style

Iqbal, Faseeh, Sami Iqbal, Umar Farooq, Khadija Shakoor, Muhammad Hammad, and Fatima Noreen. "Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings." Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine 5 (2026), 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Iqbal, Faseeh, Sami Iqbal, Umar Farooq, Khadija Shakoor, Muhammad Hammad, and Fatima Noreen. "Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings." Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine 5.1 (2026), 96-104. Print. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Iqbal, F., Iqbal, . S., Farooq, . U., Shakoor, . K., Hammad, . M. & Noreen, . F. (2026) Assessing the Effectiveness of Emergency Preparedness Policies in Enhancing Healthcare Service Delivery in Low-Resource Settings. Journal of Public Health and Community Medicine, 5 (1), 96-104. doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20260113100850