Readiness to Collaborate in Disaster Resilience Preparedness Activities

Abstract

While research has focused on interprofessional collaboration among stakeholders in the health field, little research has studied community partnerships regarding emergency management and business continuity planning. This community-based participatory research project took place in Peterborough, Ontario. Qualitative content analysis of focus group data revealed emergent themes focused on the importance of transformative leadership to prompt initiation of collaborative activities, the need for awareness and common ground between organizations, and how upstream investment supports training and collaborative practice. This research aims to inform policy makers about the importance of community partnerships in promoting community resilience in emergency situations, as well as the role partnerships play in the creation and implementation of business continuity plans.