Effectiveness of an online training program for improving nurses’ competencies in disaster risk management

Abstract

Background Nurses’ incompetency in disaster risk management can have many negative consequences during disasters, so it is important to prepare nurses and improve their competencies in disaster risk management. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of an online training program to improve competencies in disaster risk management. Method This interventional study was conducted on nurses working in a specialized trauma hospital affiliated with the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran in 2023. Eighty-one nurses were randomly assigned into two interventions (n = 42) and control groups (n = 39). The intervention group received an online training program in four sessions, and both groups electronically completed the demographic questionnaire and the nurses’ perceptions of disaster core competencies scale (NPDCC) before and one month after the intervention. Results The study results showed no significant difference in disaster competency scores between the two groups before the intervention (p < 0.51), but the NPDCC score in the intervention group was statistically significant after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.02) and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.16). Conclusion While the online training program was found to significantly improve the NPDCC score of nurses in the intervention group, this increase was not significant when compared to the control group. Therefore, we suggest continuous practical exercises and maneuvers to improve nurses’ perception of the competencies required for effective disaster management.

The Effect of Nurse Leader Qualification on Position Outcome: Systematic Review

“…From the appraised studies, implementing leadership enhancement programs such as The Nurse Manager Development Program, Train-the-Trainer Program [29] and Nurse online training kit Farokhzadian [12] should outline the essential knowledge, skills and competencies a nurse leader should exercise and provide a guide for further improvement of the hospital setting. Equally worrying is that some hospitals have limited staff nursing expertise, experience and a bachelor's or a master's degree.…”

“…The studies pointed to the importance of nurse managerial competence in running daily nursing activities [11][12][13][14]. In the first study, Goktepe et al (2018) [11] found that nurse managers aged ≥ 35 years, with ≥ 15 years of experience in the health profession and over 10 years in-service in the present hospital facility had higher pre-test scores compared to other nurses.…”

“…We contend that the Nurse Manager Development Program contributed immensely to improving nurse managers' managerial competencies and professional skills, and highlight a future need for evaluating how nurse managers utilize the skills gained over the long term. Similarly, [12,13] called for continuous competency development programs and training for new nurses to be able to make informed decisions in their practices and customized educational programs in addressing the specific needs of nurse managers and enhancing effectiveness in healthcare leadership.…”

“…Farokhzdian et al [12] examined the effectiveness of online training programs in enhancing nurses' competencies during disaster risk management. The study adopted an interventional approach undertaken on nurses working in a trauma hospital facility.…”

Enhancing Disaster Triage Competencies through Simulation-Based Training: An Interventional Study among Undergraduate Nursing Students

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