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Ann M. Dozier, RN, PhD, Timothy D. Dye, PhD, and Nancy P. Chin, MPH, PhD. Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue -- Box 324, Rochester, NY 14642, 585-273-2592, ann_dozier@urmc.rochester.edu
Background: McMurdo Station, the largest human settlement and primary US base on the Antarctic continent, blends multiple groups of people (scientists, contract workers, employees) in its complex social structure. Each has different ‘on ice’ motivations, purposes, and expectations. Safety training, required for everyone increases each year. Scientists inconsisteontly adhere to or resist these mandates. Understanding their view from a cultural perspective may elucidate the root causes of this problem and identify potential alternative approaches.
Methods. A project on culture and health in remote and isolated environments included an ethnography of the conduct of science at McMurdo Station (2003 summer season). Perceptions about safety training emerged through participant observation (500 hours over 6 weeks) and individual interviews (>60).
Results. Annually over 60 science teams conduct research at McMurdo. They gather specimens/observations for subsequent analysis during their on-ice time (limited to a few weeks or months). While safety was an acknowledged priority in the conduct of their own work (e.g. diving, handling radioactive substances), time pressures (perceived/real) influence their attitude about the trainings’ value, particularly for newer mandates. The perceived lack of evidence for the trainings was questioned and associated with a general sense that they were another flawed outcome of more bureaucracy. By contrast the content of some trainings was seen as important but poorly executed, leaving the attendees feeling ill-prepared. Years spent on the ice also shaped these opinions.
Conclusions. Mandatory training for episodic non-employee users should avoid boilerplates, account for competing priorities and understand their real training needs.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.