What Are the Research Needs for the Field of Disaster Nursing? An International Delphi Study

Abstract

Future disaster nursing research should focus on the area of psychosocial aspects of disaster nursing, in particular, both the psychosocial needs of a disaster-affected community and the psychosocial wellbeing of nurses who assist in disaster health activities.

Relationships between disaster nursing competence, anticipatory disaster stress and motivation for disaster engagement

“…Researchers indicated that nurses may be unprepared educationally and psychologically for disaster relief [33]. One study that was conducted to determine the international research priorities for disaster nursing found that psychosocial aspects ranked the highest [34]. However, in our study, the level of anticipatory disaster stress was not high.…”

<p>Challenges for Nurses in Disaster Management: A Scoping Review</p>

“…19,23 Furthermore, the paucity of research on disaster nursing negatively impacts the professionalism and quality of nursing practice during disasters. By utilizing a three-round Delphi technique, which aimed to explore the priorities of international nursing research related to disasters by Australian researchers, Ranse et al 33 concluded that research is needed in many areas of disaster nursing management, including education, training, and the curriculum, as well as in exploring relevant clinical and psychological issues. Therefore, an increased focus on disaster nursing research prioritizing high-quality knowledge and practice would enhance the awareness of nurses and encourage education and training.…”

Evaluation of a Novel Disaster Nursing Education Method

“…This disaster nursing education method was also consistent with international research priorities in disaster nursing that identified the need to improve collaborative approaches in disaster settings and disaster education methods. 31 Further, a "culture of volunteerism" was also emphasized in the "Call to Action" by encouraging or facilitating the engagement of nurses to coordinate with volunteer agencies such as the MRC, American Red Cross, among other organizations. 14 Developing innovative teaching strategies to achieve disaster competencies can be a challenge given already overburdened curricular demands in nursing education.…”