Mass fatality preparedness elements amongst autopsy surgeons in India

The present study assessed the managerial capabilities of autopsy surgeons in India in future response as preparedness to disaster. The need for this was further highlighted by various disasters or similar situations that have been witnessed by the mankind during the 21^st century, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with its latest variant of concern “Omicron ”.

To provide literature related to mass fatality management related benchmarks, and correlates of actual preparedness as a response to a future disaster, and suggest action plan (if any) in the light of the results.

This cross sectional study was conducted as an anonymous survey by utilizing a pretested and validated self-administered questionnaire that was made available via electronic mail to the study participants consisting of autopsy surgeons under inclusion criteria.

Maximum respondents were seen in the age group of 26–35 years. The commonest duration of experience ranged from 2–5 years after attaining post-graduate qualification. The commonest type of employment was contractual/adhoc basis. A significant majority of subjects did not receive any formal training in disaster mortuary response, and not even a single subject participated in a simulated real world disaster. Infection control policies were in place to the extent of ‘98%. All the subjects reported having up to date contact phone list for staff and key contacts. The formal arrangements of supplies and repair service providers needed to ensure the smooth functioning of mortuary services during a future disaster event was not up-to the mark. The written inventory of the key items was not updated in majority of the cases. All the respondents indicated the need of training programmes in routine for efficient management and disaster preparedness

The current job position of the autopsy surgeon as a factor showed the strongest association with most of the key parameters related to mortuary preparedness elements.