Disaster preparedness among nurses: a systematic review of literature

Abstract

The findings from this review place an emphasis on hospitals to implement policies to address lack of preparedness among their employees. Furthermore, this review highlights the benefit of further research and provision of well-grounded disaster exercises that mimic actual events to enhance the preparedness of the nursing workforce.

Nurses’ disaster preparedness and core competencies in Turkey: a descriptive correlational design

“…So, these study results concerning the nurses’ perceptions of disaster core competencies are compatible with the results of other studies (Labrague et al. , ). Similarly, Labrague et al.…”

“…Similarly, Labrague et al. () investigated 17 publications that measure ‘nurses’ preparedness for disaster response’ in a systematic review and a common result of all studies is reported that ‘nurses are inadequately prepared for disaster response’.…”

Disaster preparedness exercises improve personnel competence and confidence

“…September is National Preparedness Month, which provides a time each year to focus on being prepared for disasters, including weather‐related events, terrorist attacks, and disease outbreaks, among others. Although nurses are critically important to disaster response, evidence has indicated that they are not adequately prepared for these events . As part of disaster preparedness, it is imperative that health care leaders provide training to nurses and other health care personnel on emergency policies and procedures and treating disaster survivors.…”

“…Preparedness exercises are a key component of training that contribute to team building and teamwork. Exercises have been shown to improve personnel's knowledge of emergency events, policies, and procedures; perception of disaster skills; understanding of roles; and overall competence and confidence . In addition, exercises can help health care leaders test their emergency plans, protocols, and procedures; identify problem areas; and make improvements .…”

“…In addition, exercises can help health care leaders test their emergency plans, protocols, and procedures; identify problem areas; and make improvements . Facility leaders should emphasize the importance of preparedness by instituting policies that focus on eliminating deficiencies in preparedness and creating a health care team that can respond effectively to disasters …”