AUTHOR=Baquet Enzo , Tarteret Paul , Deschamps Agathe , Filali Amel , Foley Rose-Anna , D’Acremont Valérie 
  
TITLE=Perceptions and Needs of Primary Healthcare Providers Regarding Electricity Shortages and Blackouts: A Qualitative Study Using a Realistic Narrative Approach
  
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
  
VOLUME=Volume 71 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1609319
  
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2026.1609319
  
ISSN=1661-8564
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesTo understand how primary healthcare providers perceive a hypothetical electricity supply interruptions (ESI) situation (electricity shortages and blackouts), and their needs for a better preparation and response.MethodsIn Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, interviews with 16 experts of 13 institutions/organisations involved in ESI management were conducted to develop a locally adapted ESI scenario. Perceived risk, knowledge, capacity to adapt, and needs of 8 private practice physicians and nurses were then explored through semi-structured, scenario-based interviews.ResultsAlthough they considered ESI unlikely and were aware of their heavy dependence on electricity-powered administrative and medical tools, healthcare professionals were willing to continue treating their patients in their own practices or in suitable primary care centres. However, better communication with public health stakeholders, participation in training sessions and to the development of checklists closer to their needs, and a plan indicating them their best possible location would be necessary.ConclusionRedefining the role of primary healthcare providers in crises through better training, information, and integration as cooperative partners could represent a key opportunity to enhance the resilience of the whole healthcare system.