Aim
The Whakaari/White Island 2019 eruption is one of New Zealand’s most significant mass casualty event as result of a volcanic eruption [in European history]. This event tested doctors across the nation in the management of major burns. The aim of the study was to assess of the psychosocial impacts of a mass casualty on registered doctors. The main objectives were to investigate whether social, workload, and structural factors impacted burn out and/or secondary trauma symptoms in registered doctors. Another objective was to assess doctors’ perception of the patient care of Whakaari/White island patients.
Methods
Following approval from Auckland Health Research Ethic Committee and locality approval from each district health board, an anonymous online questionnaire was distributed through e-amil to all doctors involved in the management of Whakaari/White Island patients (e.g. ED, Plastics, Burns, ICU). The survey measured several factors specific to the White Island/Whakaari Volcanic Eruption: work satisfaction, support factors, structural factors, workload characteristics, and social support. The questionnaire also assessed secondary trauma and burn out from an existing validated measure (Adams, Figley, and Boscarino, 2008).
Results
Results will be analysed and will be presented at NZAPS.
Conclusion
The results from this study may contribute how New Zealand manages future national disasters that involve the management of burn injuries. We hypothesise regional units may need more support in management of burn victims and may experience more secondary trauma and burnout. Understanding the resources and current burn expertise at all units could help for future disaster planning.