Factors Affecting Disaster Preparedness in Prehospital Emergency Dispatch Centers: Mapping of Expert Perspectives

Background and Objectives: Prehospital emergency dispatch centers are critical components of disaster response, but their operational capacity is often overwhelmed by a surge in call volume during such events. Given Iran's high vulnerability to a wide range of disasters and the absence of a comprehensive tool for assessing the preparedness of these centers, this qualitative study was conducted to identify the factors influencing their readiness. Methods This study employed a conventional content analysis approach from October 2024 to May 2025. Twenty participants, including managers and staff from emergency medical services (EMS) and dispatch centers, were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, lasting 20 to 120 minutes, until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were subsequently analyzed using MAXQDA-2020 software. Trustworthiness was established using the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln. Results Data analysis revealed 13 main categories and 63 subcategories as factors influencing the disaster preparedness of dispatch centers. These categories were: Exercises, Security, Safety, Communication, Early Warning Systems, Planning, Resources, Individual Skills, Environmental Factors, Organizational Structure, Monitoring and Evaluation, Coordination, and Training. Conclusion The preparedness of emergency dispatch centers in Iran is a product of a complex interplay among resources, knowledge, skills, structure, communication, and organizational culture. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for policymaking, resource allocation, and the design of targeted training programs to enhance the preparedness of these vital centers and thereby strengthen the resilience of the national health system against disasters.