Emergency department registered nurses overestimate their disaster competency: A cross-sectional study

Disaster management competence, disaster preparedness belief, and disaster preparedness relationship: Nurses after the 2023 Turkey earthquake

AIM

To examine the relationship between nurses' competency levels in disaster nursing management, their disaster preparedness and disaster preparedness beliefs.

BACKGROUND

Nurses' competency in disaster nursing management makes disaster response easier. Factors that may affect this reason should be examined.

METHODS

The study was conducted between April and July 2023 with nurses working in a province in the first-degree earthquake zone in Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 207 nurses who were selected from primary, secondary, and tertiary care institutions by using the stratified sampling method. Data were collected with a personal information form, the Competencies for Disaster Nursing Management Questionnaire, the Disaster Preparedness Scale, and the General Disaster Preparedness Beliefs Scale. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman regression coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between nurses' competency levels regarding duties and responsibilities and their disaster preparedness levels. Having disaster-related training also positively affected the level of competence in duties and responsibilities. Belief in disaster preparedness and having "partial" knowledge about the disaster had no relationship with competencies.

DISCUSSION

According to the International Council of Nurses and current studies on disaster nursing, "competence areas" are among the priority study subjects.

CONCLUSION

According to the study results, disaster preparedness and having disaster-related education are effective factors in nurses' competencies related to duties and responsibilities.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY

The results of this study may increase awareness in the healthcare system about nurses' disaster management competency levels and the factors that may affect this. It is recommended that disaster preparedness and disaster-related education factors should be taken into account in the initiatives and policies to be planned to improve the duty and responsibility competence of nurses.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental coping and emergency ability of public health emergency in COVID-19 department healthcare workers in ICU nurses of Beijing in China

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought various opportunities and challenges to critical care nurses, whose emergency abilities in caring for critically ill patients are related to their safety, clinical effectiveness, and improved prognosis. Currently, there is a lack of research on the actual situation and influencing factors of ICU nurses' emergency ability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although empirical observations from different departments can provide valuable basis for the health system to formulate preventive measures, efficient training programs and future public emergencies.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study.

METHODS

Data were collected from 486 subjects through electronic surveys from November 8 to 15, 2022, in seven general public hospitals (all tertiary A hospitals) in Beijing, China.

RESULTS

The emergency ability of ICU nurses hover at the intermediate level (145.42 ± 23.29). The variables of work experience, participated in PHE rescue activities, participated in PHE education, cumulative rescue more than 10 times and positive coping were associated with the emergency ability of ICU nurses.

CONCLUSION

Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the emergency ability of ICU nurses is acceptable, at a medium level. The ICU nurse of seniority, participated in PHE rescue activities, participated in PHE education, cumulative rescue more than 10 times had excellent emergency ability; The importance of positive coping style was also evident, which means that intervention in psychological is seen as necessary.

The associated factors of disaster literacy among nurses in China: a structure equation modelling study

AIMS

To examine the association of disaster literacy with collectivism, social support, psychological resilience and self-efficacy among nurses and analyze the influencing mechanisms among these factors.

BACKGROUND

Nurses' disaster literacy is important for future preparation. However, there is a paucity of research in this field.

METHODS

From January to August 2023, we recruited 1573 nurses in 15 hospitals in Zhejiang province, China using convenient sampling. Based on Social-Ecological Model, questionnaires regarding collectivism, social support, psychological resilience, self-efficacy and disaster literacy were distributed via online platform. Data were analyzed using structural equation model to examine the relationships between the study variables.

RESULTS

Nurses had a medium level of disaster literacy with the lowest score in critical literacy. Nurses' collectivism not only had positive direct effect on disaster literacy, but also had indirect pathways from social support, psychological resilience and self-efficacy to influence the level of disaster literacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel factors including collectivism, social support, psychological resilience and self-efficacy were associated with disaster literacy. Understanding the influencing mechanism would inform effective interventions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Our findings illustrate the importance for nurse managers, administrators and authorities to work together to develop and implement effective nursing curriculum and training programs to improve nurses' disaster literacy for future preparation.

Improve disaster literacy in nurses: a qualitative descriptive study

BACKGROUND

The enhancement of nurses' disaster literacy is crucial for effective disaster emergency management, especially for clinical nurses with no prior experience in disaster rescue. This study aims to explore the perspectives of nurses who have been involved in disaster rescue operations on strategies to advance nurses' disaster literacy.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study, which follows unified qualitative study reporting guidelines. Thirty disaster rescue nurses were recruited to participate in this study, who came from 30 third-class hospitals in China. From October to December 2021, information was acquired by conducting semi-structured telephone interviews with participants. Qualitative content analysis was used to examine the data.

RESULTS

Six categories and eleven subcategories were created. Strengthening disaster education and training was the main focus, and its subcategories included continuing education, nursing curriculum development, and disaster rescue experience guide. The second focus, which included scene simulation, actual combat/military simulation, and virtual reality simulation, was strengthening disaster simulation and drill. The third focus was on providing psychosocial support, which included improving self-psychological adjustment, developing resilience, and engaging in active coping. The fourth category was to strengthen nurse/hospital managers roles and leadership, which included enhancing professional identity and policies/leadership support. The fifth category was disaster preparedness, and the sixth was enhancing knowledge transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

Government agencies or healthcare organizations should actively promote the formation of nurses' disaster literacy from multiple viewpoints. Disaster education and training, simulation exercises, and psychosocial support should be prioritized.

Assessing the frontline competency gap: Emergency care perceptions among nurses in Yemen's conflict zone

BACKGROUND

Nursing competencies in armed conflict situations are critical for effective response and recovery. This study explores nurses' perceptions regarding their competencies in armed conflict zones to identify areas of proficiency and those requiring further emphasis in training.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines. It used a validated questionnaire examining 47 different competencies for nursing in armed conflict zones, which were subsequently ranked to identify those that were valued most and least.

RESULTS

In total, 102 questionnaires were returned (85% response rate). The highest-ranked competencies focused on immediate life-saving interventions and personal safety. In contrast, competencies involving broader disaster management, such as understanding organizational disaster plans, post-death care, and risk identification, ranked lower. This observation may indicate a tendency to prioritize direct clinical care over strategic planning and long-term recovery in disaster nursing education.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

This study highlights the critical need to strengthen emergency care competencies among nurses working in armed conflict zones in Yemen. Its findings underscore the importance of targeted training programs, particularly in complex trauma management and psychological first aid, to address nurses' self-identified competency gaps. Policy implications include prioritizing resource allocation for emergency care infrastructure, implementing competency-based deployment strategies, and ensuring access to mental health support for nurses in working conflict zones. These actions are essential for building a resilient nursing workforce capable of providing quality care amidst the unique challenges of armed conflict.

The core competencies in disaster nursing of new graduate nurses in Guangdong, China: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study aimed to assess the level of core competencies in disaster nursing of New Graduate Nurses (NGNs) and explore its influencing factors.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the overall frequency of disasters around the world has been on the rise. As the emerging workforce in clinical settings, NGNs play an integral role in future disaster relief efforts. NGNs' level and influencing impact of core competencies in disaster nursing need to be understood.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional design.

METHODS

From June to September 2023, the Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing Scale - General Professional Nurse (CCDNS-GPN), designed according to the CCDN V2.0, was used to collect data from NGNs of six nursing schools and 15 hospitals in Guangdong, China. Descriptive analysis was conducted to examine the scores of core competencies in disaster nursing. Furthermore, one-way analysis of variance and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors.

RESULTS

A total of 607 NGNs participated in this study. The scores of CCDNS-GPN of NGNs were 90.23 (SD 15.09) (score ratio: 51.56%), indicating a low level of core competencies in disaster nursing. The highest competency was the recovery (score ratio: 55.00%), while the lowest competency was the communication (score ratio: 45.44%). The predictor for core competencies in disaster nursing of NGNs were male (β = 0.091, p < 0.05), below bachelor's degree (β = -0.109, p < 0.05), had received disaster nursing education at school (β = 0.087, p < 0.05), had participated in a disaster rescue drill at school (β = 0.140, p < 0.05), had been to the ICU during internship (β = 0.135, p < 0.05) and had the intention to be a disaster specialized nurse (β = 0.114, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The NGNs exhibited insufficient core competencies in disaster nursing in Guangdong, China. Nursing schools and clinical institutions should collaborate and play their respective roles to enhance nurses' core competencies in disaster nursing, ensuring they can timely, safely and efficiently participate in disaster medical relief efforts.

Jordanian Nurses' Perceptions of Disaster Preparedness and Core Competencies

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify the Jordanian nurses' perception of their disaster preparedness and core competencies.

METHODS

A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used. The data was collected via an online self-reported questionnaire using the disaster preparedness evaluation tool and the core disaster competencies tool.

RESULTS

A total of 126 nurses participated in the study. Jordanian nurses had moderate to high levels of core disaster competencies and moderate levels of disaster preparedness. Core disaster competencies and disaster preparedness levels differed based on previous training on disaster preparedness, and the availability of an established emergency plan in their hospitals. Lastly, a previous training on disaster preparedness and core disaster competencies were statistically significant predictors of disaster preparedness among Jordanian nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Organizational factors and environmental contexts play a role in the development of such capabilities. Future research should focus on understanding the barriers and facilitators of developing core disaster competencies and disaster preparedness among nurses.

Disaster literacy in disaster emergency response: a national qualitative study among nurses

BACKGROUND

As the largest group of healthcare professionals, nurses play an indispensable and crucial role in disaster response. The enhancement of nurses' disaster literacy is imperative for effective disaster emergency management. However, there is currently a lack of knowledge regarding nurses' disaster literacy. This study represents the first attempt to explore the key components and characteristics of disaster literacy among nurses.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design was employed, and the reporting followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines (refer to File S1). The purposive sampling method was utilized. Thirty-one rescue nurses from 31 medical institutions across 25 provinces and regions in China were recruited to participate in the study. The respondents were requested to share their experiences and insights regarding disaster rescue operations. Inductive content analysis was employed for data examination.

RESULTS

The results indicated that rescue nurses universally recognized that there was a pressing need to enhance the level of disaster literacy among nurses. The disaster literacy of nurses encompasses nine dimensions: physical and mental quality, disaster rescue general knowledge, professional and technical competence, professional ethics, teamwork, emotional ability, information literacy, leadership, and knowledge transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure national sustainability, government departments, healthcare organizations, and hospital administrators can accurately evaluate the disaster literacy of individual clinical nurses, groups, and the workforce as a whole through nine dimensions, which also can provide evidence to support the development of precision strategies to strengthen the disaster literacy of nurses.

Sustained Effect of Simulation-Based Resuscitation Education on Knowledge, Self-Confidence, and Performance Ability of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses

BACKGROUND

Simulation education is essential for the development of nurses' practical skills. This study evaluated the impact and duration of simulation-based neonatal resuscitation education on the knowledge, self-confidence, and performance ability of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses.

METHOD

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in South Korea and included 35 NICU nurses working in tertiary hospitals between August and October 2021. Simulation-based neonatal resuscitation education (NRE) was provided for 80 minutes, and its effectiveness was measured in terms of nurses' knowledge, self-confidence, and performance ability. Data collection was conducted before, 1 week after, 3 weeks after, and 5 weeks after the training, and the collected data were calculated and analyzed using a t test and repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Simulation-based NRE improved knowledge, self-confidence, and performance in neonatal resuscitation. Performance ability showed greater improvement than knowledge or self-confidence, and all three areas showed significant differences in score changes over time.

CONCLUSION

The duration of the training effect should be considered an important factor. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(2):79-86.].

[The development of kinaesthetic competence in acute inpatient care: a feasibility study with a pre-posttest design]

The development of kinaesthetic competence in acute inpatient care: a feasibility study with a pre-posttest design Abstract: Background: Most patients in acute care hospitals experience movement limitations due to surgery or a general deterioration of their condition. Therefore, nurses need a high level of competence in movement promotion. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a three-day advanced kinaesthetics training course followed by six months of practical support to promote kinaesthetic competence in inpatient acute care and the competence development achieved as a result. Methods: The evaluation of the nurses' effectiveness was conducted using a pre- and post-measurement of kinaesthetic competence through a self-assessment questionnaire and an observation protocol. The evaluation of feasibility was done through a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Eight nurses rated their kinaesthetics competence as good before (mean: 10,8 on a scale of 4-16) and very good after the intervention (mean: 13,2). The kinaesthetics trainer assessed the competence before as sufficient (mean: 9,4 on a scale of 4-16) and very good (mean: 14,5) after the practical support. The need to make practical support more flexible is highlighted in the qualitative data. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that a three-day training followed by six months of practical support has a positive impact on nurses' kinaesthetic competence.

Emergency care in the context of armed conflict: Nurses' perspectives of the essential core competencies

AIM

To identify nurses' perspectives of their core competencies for emergency care in the context of armed conflict.

INTRODUCTION

Emergency department's (ED) capacity is frequently overwhelmed by a sudden surge of patients when located near armed conflict. Although emergency nurses are key frontline responders, evidence detailing core competencies needed to work in these areas remains limited.

METHOD

The study used a cross-sectional survey design and is reported using STROBE guidelines. A validated questionnaire was administered in hospitals near the southern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen border, where emergency nurses regularly manage large numbers of patients from armed conflict.

RESULT

A total of 163 questionnaires were returned (68% response rate). Most participants were female and had more than six years of ED experience. The core competencies for emergency nurses working near armed conflict were identified and highly rated by participants: the highest mean value was 9.47/10 and the lowest was 8.89/10. Analysis revealed regular education, training and drills were needed to provide quality emergency nursing care for victims of armed conflict.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

This study provides new evidence regarding core competencies in emergency nursing care in the context of armed conflict. The identified competencies should be incorporated into future education, curricula, training programmes and evaluations to enable emergency nurses to function effectively in the context of armed conflict. The findings will assist decision-makers to develop plans and strategies for mitigating risk and improving the future nursing response in similar contexts.

[Disaster Literacy Status and the Influencing Factors: A National Survey of 107997 Chinese Nurses]

Objective

To study the level of disaster literacy among nurses in China and the influcing factors and to provide scientific basis for developing effective interventions to improve the disaster literacy among Chinese nurses.

Methods

Between September 2021 and October 2021, an online survey was conducted among nurses from health care institutions in eastern, central, western, and northeastern China by using a cross-sectional survey design and convenience sampling. The content of the survey included the surveyed nurses' sociodemographic characteristics, occupational characteristics, disaster relief characteristics, self-efficacy, and disaster literacy level. A disaster literacy model developed previously was used to assess the nurses' disaster literacy.

Results

A total of 107997 nurses were covered in the survey and their disaster literacy score was found to be 255.62±53.92. According to the findings of multiple linear regression, the protective factors for disaster literacy among Chinese nurses included the following, being based in Eastern region (non-standardized regression coefficient [ B]=2.365, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.647-3.082), male sex ( B=9.418, 95% CI: 7.892-10.944), bachelor's degree or higher level of education ( B=3.822, 95% CI: 3.195-4.450), tertiary-level hospitals ( B=3.569, 95% CI: 3.000-4.138), military/local public hospitals ( B=2.606, 95% CI: 1.750-3.463), emergency department ( B=2.921, 95% CI: 2.149-3.694), intermediate professional title ( B=2.918, 95% CI: 2.209-3.627), senior professional title ( B=5.801, 95% CI: 4.448-7.155), participation in disaster rescue ( B=5.566, 95% CI: 5.020-6.112), the institution being previously involved in disaster emergency rescue ( B=3.257, 95% CI: 2.429-4.084), the institution having set up disaster rescue team ( B=5.967, 95% CI: 5.103-6.831), having received nursing education in disaster preparedness in school ( B=6.205, 95% CI: 5.621-6.790), having received on-the-job disaster preparedness education and training ( B=8.776, 95% CI: 8.027-9.525), and self-efficacy ( B=5.117, 95% CI: 5.069-5.165).

Conclusions

In China, disaster literacy among nurses is at a medium to low level and needs to be improved. For the next step, efforts should be focused on nurses with the following features, being based in the central and western regions, female sex, having completed junior college education or less, no nursing education in disaster preparedness in school, having junior professional titles, being from gynecology, pediatrics, and auxiliary departments, working in grassroots medical and health institutions and primary and secondary-level hospitals, neither the individual respondent nor her institution having any experience in disaster rescue, the institution having no disaster rescue team, not having any on-the-job nursing education and training in disaster preparedness, and having low self-efficacy. Measures should be taken to improve their disaster literacy level.

Assessment of disaster preparedness and related impact factors among emergency nurses in tertiary hospitals: descriptive cross-sectional study from Henan Province of China

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the current state of disaster preparedness and to determine associated factors among emergency nurses from tertiary hospitals in Henan Province of China.

Methods

This multicenter descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with emergency nurses from 48 tertiary hospitals in Henan Province of China between September 7, 2022-September 27, 2022. Data were collected through a self-designeds online questionnaire using the mainland China version of the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET-MC). Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate disaster preparedness and to determine factors affecting disaster preparedness, respectively.

Results

A total of 265 emergency nurses in this study displayed a moderate level of disaster preparedness with a mean item score of 4.24 out 6.0 on the DPET-MC questionnaire. Among the five dimensions of the DPET-MC, the mean item score for pre-disaster awareness was highest (5.17 ± 0.77), while that for disaster management (3.68 ± 1.36) was the lowest. Female gender (B = -9.638, p = 0.046) and married status (B = -8.618, p = 0.038) were negatively correlated with the levels of disaster preparedness. Five factors positively correlated with the levels of disaster preparedness included having attended in the theoretical knowledge training of disaster nursing since work (B = 8.937, p = 0.043), having experienced the disaster response (B = 8.280, p = 0.036), having participated in the disaster rescue simulation exercise (B = 8.929, p = 0.039), having participated in the disaster relief training (B = 11.515, p = 0.025), as well as having participated in the training of disaster nursing specialist nurse (B = 16.101, p = 0.002). The explanatory power of these factors was 26.5%.

Conclusion

Emergency nurses in Henan Province of China need more education in all areas of disaster preparedness, especially disaster management, which needs to be incorporated into nursing education, including formal and ongoing education. Besides, blended learning approach with simulation-based training and disaster nursing specialist nurse training should be considered as novel ways to improve disaster preparedness for emergency nurses in mainland China.

Disaster preparedness knowledge and its relationship with triage decision-making among hospital and pre-hospital emergency nurses - Ardabil, Iran

Background

Hospital and pre-hospital emergency nurses are at the forefront of disaster response. Disaster incidents continue to pose a threat to healthcare systems by exposing them to an overwhelming surge of patients.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 472 hospital and pre-hospital emergency nurses in Ardabil province, in the northwest Iran, from March to April 2021, were recruited by convenience sampling method. Data were collected using valid and reliable self-reported questionnaires, including the Emergency Preparedness Information questionnaire (EPIQ) and Triage Decision-making Inventory (TDMI). Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 22) software using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient test, t-test, ANOVA test, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Emergency nurses’ disaster preparedness knowledge was low according to the mean score of total disaster preparedness knowledge. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed triage decision-making, age, residence, disaster preparedness training, working on duty during a disaster, and training organization variables were predictors of disaster preparedness knowledge in hospital and pre-hospital emergency nurses (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Emergency nurses who have higher disaster preparedness knowledge have higher triage decision-making skills. It is suggested that the managers of educational and medical centres and professional organizations provide favourable conditions for training and increasing disaster preparedness of emergency nurses according to their age and residence.

Self-perceived preparedness and training needs of healthcare personnel on humanitarian mission: a pre- and post-deployment survey

Background

Humanitarian healthcare workers are indispensable for treating weapon-wounded patients in armed conflict, and the international humanitarian community should ensure adequate preparedness for this task. This study aims to assess deployed humanitarian healthcare workers’ self-perceived preparedness, training requirements and mental support needs.

Methods

Medical professionals deployed with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) between October 2018 and June 2020 were invited to participate in this longitudinal questionnaire. Two separate questionnaires were conducted pre- and post-deployment to assess respondents’ self-perceived preparedness, preparation efforts, deployment experiences and deployment influence on personal and professional development.

Results

Response rates for the pre- and post-deployment questionnaires were 52.5% (114/217) and 26.7% (58/217), respectively. Eighty-five respondents (85/114; 74.6%) reported feeling sufficiently prepared to treat adult trauma patients, reflected by predeployment ratings of 3 or higher on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Significantly lower ratings were found among nurses compared to physicians. Work experience in a high-volume trauma centre before deployment was associated with a greater feeling of preparedness (mean rank 46.98 vs. 36.89; p = 0.045). Topics most frequently requested to be included in future training were neurosurgery, maxillofacial surgery, reconstructive surgery, ultrasound, tropical diseases, triage, burns and newborn noncommunicable disease management. Moreover, 51.7% (30/58) of the respondents regarded the availability of a mental health professional during deployment as helpful to deal with stress.

Conclusion

Overall, deployed ICRC medical personnel felt sufficiently prepared for their missions, although nurses reported lower preparedness levels than physicians. Recommendations were made concerning topics to be covered in future training and additional preparation strategies to gain relevant clinical experience. Future preparatory efforts should focus on all medical professions, and their training needs should be continuously monitored to ensure the alignment of preparation strategies with preparation needs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13017-022-00417-z.