Disaster Nursing Research Articles

A literature review of disaster nursing competencies in Japanese nursing journals

Competencies is an important concept used for assessing health professionals' capability to perform their role. By means of a literature review of Japanese professional journals this paper will investigate the competencies concept, particularly with relation to disaster nursing. The literature research was conducted using the database ichu-shi (ver. 4). All literature is written and published in Japanese and was published between 2001 and 2008. Due to an unfamiliarity of the term 'competencies' in Japanese, the key words were sought while deconstructing the meaning and concepts of 'competencies' into terms more recognisable in the Japanese context. Twelve key words: disaster, capability, education, practice, licensure, ability, function, prevention, response, planning, emergency, and disaster nursing were chosen as being most likely to find literature relevant to the English Language concept of competencies. The searched articles were then written into the disaster nursing competencies review worksheet for analysis. One hundred and twenty articles were found by searching a combination of these key words. Of these articles, those that were not in the context of disaster nursing were eliminated. As a result, 43 articles were chosen as being suitable for analysis of the context. These articles are classified into four themes. These theme groups indicated a foundation for competencies in disaster nursing. The definition of competencies in Japanese nursing journals was quite varied and cannot be easily defined as common disaster nursing competencies. Given the variety of areas and the distinct phases in disaster nursing, as well as the 'what for' and 'who governs', disaster nursing competencies will need its own discussion in order to establish the common competencies internationally.

Development and Evaluation of an Undergraduate Training Course for Developing International Council of Nurses Disaster Nursing Competencies in China

Nurses are often called upon to play the role of first responder when disaster occurs. Yet the lack of accepted competencies and gaps in education make it difficult to recruit nurses prepared to respond to a disaster and provide assistance in an effective manner. Based on the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies and Global Standards for the Initial Education of Professional Nurses and Midwives, a training course titled "Introduction to Disaster Nursing" was designed and implemented with 150 students. A pre-post survey design was used to assess changes in participants' self-rated disaster nursing competencies. The impact of the training course on participants' attitudes toward disaster nursing and their learning experience were also assessed. All participants passed the assessments and examination with an average score of 70%. Pre- and posttraining self-ratings of the disaster nursing competencies increased from 2.09 to 3.71 (p < .001) on a Likert scale of 1 to 5, and the effect size was large, with Cohen's d higher than 0.8. No significant difference in both examination results (60% group assignments; 40% written examination) and self-rated competencies was noted between the senior year students and graduate nurse participants by Mann-Whitney U test (p value = .90). The majority of participants indicated their willingness to participate as a helper in disaster relief and saw themselves competent to work under supervision. The ICN Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies was instrumental to guide the training curriculum development. This introductory training course could be incorporated into undergraduate nursing education programs as well as serve as a continuing education program for graduate nurses. The training program can be used for preparing generalist nurses of their nursing competencies in disaster preparedness, response and post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation.

Chinese nurses' experience in the Wenchuan earthquake relief

The purpose of this qualitative study is to provide an understanding of how Chinese nurses acted in response to the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The literature has reported that Chinese nurses played a key role in the Wenchuan earthquake. Although these nurses' intentions were well meaning, and they made enormous efforts to save lives, they considered that disaster relief practice was beyond the scope of normal daily nursing practice and found the challenges they confronted overwhelming. China is a country prone to both natural and man-made disasters that demand a good deal of preparedness for those involved in disaster nursing. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the knowledge, skill, experience and attitudes required for nurses responding to disasters. Gadamer's philosophical hermeneutics was used as a framework to underpin and interpret the qualitative accounts of the practice of the ten registered nurses in this study. Three themes were identified from semi-structured interviews with the participants. These are described as (1) feeling under-prepared; (2) perceived challenges and coping strategies; and (3) the rediscovery of the helping and caring role. By analysing these nurses' experiences in the Wenchuan earthquake relief operation, this study has identified the numerous roles and attributes required of nurses in response to disasters. Without education and training in disaster nursing, nurses may not be prepared to function in disaster relief, especially in a manner that is productive, efficient, collaborative and less stressful. Findings suggest that a systematic, educational approach to develop the skills required in disaster nursing is essential.

Nursing and disaster preparedness

Disaster Preparedness is one of several Position Statements that ICN has announced it will be reviewing during 2010, to be carried out with National Nursing Associations and the ICN Bank of Experts. ICN's proposed review could not be more timely in the light of the Haiti earthquake on 12 January that resulted in such devastating loss of life and infrastructure, followed on 27 February by yet another earthquake and tsunami in Chile. Hard evidence supports an impression that disasters are becoming much more frequent. A 60% increase in disasters was reported between 1997–2006 compared with the decade1987–1996; the number of reported deaths for the same periods grew from 600,000 to over 1.2 million; and the numbers of people affected rose from 230 to 270 million, a 17% increase (Klyman et al. 2007). ICN is already very active in this area (see International Perspectives in this issue on assistance in Haiti). In March 2007 (then) President Hiroko Minami wrote about her personal experiences of nursing in a disaster area, and urged nurses in every nation to assume a leadership role in their efforts to prepare their countries and regions in the event that disaster strikes (Minami 2007). Then, last year, ICN published in conjunction with the World Health Organization in the Western Pacific Region, an invaluable booklet on the ICN Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies (ICN & WHO Western Pacific Region 2009). With a wealth of background information, definitions and statistics, this framework of disaster nursing competencies for the generalist nurse should be compulsory reading for nurses everywhere. Disasters come in many forms, natural and man made, and no one knows when they will strike and who will be called upon to assist. Experience in many disasters suggests that although teams of experts may later fly in to help, it is the available services from local hospitals and clinics that are called upon to provide immediate assistance. Too often these personnel are confused, disoriented and left to work without prior guidelines (Nasrabadi 2007). An article on Chinese nurses' experience in the Wenchuan earthquake relief in this issue (pp. 217–223) reinforces the need to ensure that all nurses are well prepared for such eventualities. Destruction of the infrastructure with thousands of deaths and many more injuries over wide areas of Wenchuan and Li counties, resulted in an overwhelming situation for the ten nurses who were later interviewed about their experiences. Voluntarily joining rescue teams from tertiary hospitals affiliated with Chongquing University, all participants had emergency and peri-operative care backgrounds, but none had any formal disaster nursing training. They found that previous experience did not guarantee productive work in disaster conditions, and they questioned their abilities to undertake this relief work. The authors point out that while health professionals working in rural hospitals and community care areas are expected to play a key role in disaster relief, generally they are not well prepared and that is only military hospitals that provide appropriate training. Although these comments are made in the context of developing countries, similar reactions have been identified in developed world disasters (Arbon et al. 2006; Bless 2005). The ICN Framework described will not only ensure better responsiveness to disasters when they occur, but also encourage the development of competencies for nurses in the areas of prevention, preparedness and recovery. These must surely be a priority for nursing in the 21st Century.

Nurses' experiences of ethical preparedness for catastrophic public health emergencies and health care disasters; a systematic review of qualitative evidence.

Review Question: This review aims to answer the following specific question: What are nurses’ experiences of preparing for and managing the ethical challenges posed by catastrophic public health emergencies and health care disasters? Review Purpose/Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review is to systematically review and synthesise research literature reporting nurses’ experiences of ethical preparedness for dealing with catastrophic public health emergencies and health care disasters and the ethical quandaries that may arise during such events. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Types of Participants: The review will consider publications that include nurses registered or authorised under a given country’s state of emergency provisions to practice in jurisdictions in which a public health emergency (e.g. pandemic influenza) or sudden‐onset mass casualty health care disaster (e.g. flood, hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, terrorist attack) have occurred, or may occur. Phenomena of interest: This review will examine the phenomenon of nurses’ experiences of preparing for and/or managing ethical issues arising during a public health emergency or health care disaster. Consideration will be given to, but not be limited to nurse preparation for and management of ethical issues associated with: development of local public health emergency (including pandemic influenza) and sudden‐onset health care disaster plans provision of first health care contact for the general public personal protection and correct use of safety equipment providing front line clinical care providing community and primary health care assistance with containment measures triaging in a range of settings, including general practices, community health centres, and local hospitals maintaining infection control vaccinations informing the public work attendance.

Pilot training program for developing disaster nursing competencies among undergraduate students in China

As nurses constitute the largest group of health-care providers, their readiness to respond to disasters and to participate in preparedness and disaster recovery activities will be significant for making a community more resilient against disaster. Concern is raised regarding how to build the capacity of all nurses with a knowledge base and a minimum set of skills in responding to various disasters. Drawing on the ICN Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies and Global Standards for the Initial Education of Professional Nurses and Midwives, a training program entitled "Introduction to Disaster Nursing" was developed. Four teaching methods including action learning, problem-based learning, skill training, and lecture were used to orchestrate a series of planned activities for helping students develop the required disaster nursing competencies in a 2-week intensive training program held in Sichuan China in July 2009. The pre- and post-tests which were given to assess the students' perceived level of competencies demonstrated a significant gain in relevant knowledge and skills constituting the required competencies upon completion of the program. In the program evaluation, most students indicated their willingness and capability in disaster relief work under supervision, and they were keen to advance their competencies in the field of disaster nursing.

Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards

Senior Environmental Scientist, Bexar County Local Emergency Planning, Committee, San Antonio, Texas

Education and Research on Disaster Nursing in Japan

The educational and research program "Disaster Nursing in a Ubiquitous Society in Japan" has facilitated the development of various networks for disaster nursing, disaster nursing care strategies, and disaster nursing education. Replication of these activities related to disaster nursing are encouraged globally to improve disaster outcomes.

International Council of Nurses: Disaster Nursing

International Council of Nurses: Disaster Nursing

Helping our countries prepare for disasters

Helping our countries prepare for disasters

Preparing nurses for a radiological terrorism incident: A case-study approach

Like most disasters, radiological terrorism incidents can strike a community with very little warning. Nurses working in community settings need to be prepared to manage such an event and to work collaboratively with other professions. The Jennings Disaster Nursing Management Model is one tool that can assist nurses in their preparation and management of radio - logical terrorism incidents. Being prepared for disasters can have a significant impact in reducing healthcare and other disaster-related costs.

A Proposed Model for Military Disaster Nursing

There is a dearth of literature examining models related to nursing disaster preparedness and response, particularly in military nursing. Several recent articles address lessons learned by nurses who worked through wars and disasters, and these experiences can be used as a basis for a proposed model of military disaster nursing. This article will (a) review the literature about disaster nursing, including general disaster responses by nurses, disaster responses in military nursing, and research about military nurses and disaster response, (b) describe the uniqueness of the military environment, and (c) propose a model for military disaster nursing that can be evaluated for future implementation. Research about individual nurse readiness for deployment during disasters is also incorporated into the proposed model. Future research is needed to test the model and examine its relevance to military, as well as civilian, nursing for future disasters.

Teaching Disaster Nursing Response Using Simulations

Simulation or the act of imitating the behavior of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous, especially for the purpose of study or personnel training. In the disaster preparedness world, simulations are focused practice activities used to test organization coordination and communication in order to train personnel to function in the capacity expected of them in a real event. Simulating the disaster experience enables people to practice their roles and gain experiences in those roles.

Mid‐term report on the project “Disaster nursing in a ubiquitous society” in the academic years 2003 and 2004

AbstractAim: This is the mid‐term report of the project titled “Disaster nursing in a ubiquitous society”, funded by the Japanese Government. The purpose of this project is to develop the self‐care abilities of communities and individuals to independently regenerate and recover from the consequences of disasters.Methods: The methods utilized in this project were questionnaires sent by post or placed on websites, and interviews. The participants in our research were people with special needs in the case of a disaster, nursing professionals, ordinary people, and other professionals.Results: During 2003 and 2004, there were activities that progressed according to the original plans, activities that progressed at a faster rate than foreseen in the original plans, and newly expanded research activities that were conducted. New academic knowledge gained from the project activities includes five factors for disaster preparedness, six common issues related to health, care, training, and others, six categories of necessary factors in nursing activities, the clarification of the support needs of care‐providers, and the clarification of specific groups with unique needs including children, pregnant and postpartum women, elderly people, people with chronic conditions, cancer patients, and care‐providers.Conclusions: The growing recognition of our center as a global base of disaster nursing is indicated by the fact that we receive numerous requests from Japan and abroad, that our suggestions influence some governmental policies, and that we take initiatives in promoting the concept of disaster nursing throughout the world. It is necessary to disseminate the results of this project, to develop further knowledge, to clarify future challenges related to disasters, and to contribute to the preparedness of people and communities.

A Conceptual Analysis of Disaster with Implications for Emergency Nursing Practice

Nurses must be actively involved in the development of effective health care systems to prevent and mitigate the effects of disaster. Fundamental to this activity is a need for a universal understanding of the terminology used to describe the events that overwhelm and suspend the productive function of a community or society. The purpose of this research was to provide a scholarly analysis of the term disaster to foster disaster nursing theory development. In doing so, the concept of disaster, as it relates to the emerging specialty of disaster nursing, is defined, and examples of nursing practice within the developing framework of the disaster nursing paradigm are provided. This critical examination was based on conceptual analysis frameworks outlined by recognized nursing scholars in conceptual-analysis and theory development. Practice implications were adapted from a nationally accepted disaster life support course and from nursing experts in the development of emergency and disaster preparedness core competencies. The analysis and associated practice implications were aimed at emergency nurses caring for disaster victims in field, community, or institutional settings. Root origins of the word disaster were analyzed and placed in context in association with modern use of the terminology. References to the concept were gleaned and analyzed from artistic and scientific literature. Antecedents, defining attributes, consequences, and empirical references associated with disaster were determined. Practice implications for clinical disaster nursing were constructed following a synthesis of data from the concept analysis and examples in the clinical literature. A definition of disaster as it relates to the emerging specialty of disaster nursing was conceptualized and implications for practice were explicated. Nurses who practice disaster care, as well as those who foster scholarship and research in this dynamic field, must work from the same theoretical language base to be effective as health practitioners and leaders in this new area. This analysis provides the beginning structure for further conceptual refinement and subsequent construction of a speculative framework through which practice in this exciting and important specialty can grow and flourish.

Disaster Nursing Curriculum Development Based on Vulnerability Assessment in the Pacific Northwest

Disasters caused by naturally occurring or deliberately caused infections, toxic chemical spills, radiologic releases, or other catastrophic events are likely to challenge the US health care system and pose special risks to vulnerable groups. Despite these threats in the environment,most US nursing programs lack disaster nursing content. This article describes disaster nursing competencies needed in Washington State based on standards, local geographic and population vulnerabilities,expert review, and surveys of nursing students and practicing nurses. Disaster nursing competencies included the following categories: (1)providing for patient care needs; (2) practicing safely; (3) preparing,implementing, and evaluating institutional and community protocols in preparation for a disaster; (4) reporting and communicating; and (5)accessing up-to-date information. Practicing nurses and student nurses indicated a strong need for disaster nursing content; the greatest perceived need was for content related to caring for injured or ill patients and practicing safely during a disaster.

Disaster Management and Response

1. The Changing Face of Nursing Practice: Homeland Security Challenges to Health Care Delivery (Boatright, McGlown) 2. Disaster Nursing Competencies (Bond, Beaton) 3. Care of the Victim of Bioterrorism During Aeromedical Evaluation (Cieslak, Herrold) 4. Historical Lessons Learned from Third World Disasters (Davies) 5. The Impact of the Disaster Experience on Culture, Self and Identity: A Need for Increased Awareness Among Healthcare Professionals (Deeny, McFetridge) 6. Mass Casualty Triage: Field Considerations in WMD Events (Hembree) 7. Antidote Therapy for Hazardous Materials (Lehmann, Weber) 8. Care of the Patient Exposed to Biological Agents (Ricciardi) 9. Role of Public Health Nurses in Emergency Preparedness and Response (Rowney) 10. Competency Development and How Competencies can be Integrated into the Basic Nursing Curriculum (Stanley) 11. Preparing Hospital-Based Nurses for Radiation Emergencies: Clinical Response and Systems Preparedness (Veenema) 12. A National Curriculum in Emergency Preparedness for Nurses (Weiner) 13. Pediatrics in Disasters (Hohenhaus)

Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Terrorism: An International Curriculum for the Twenty-First Century

Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Terrorism: An International Curriculum for the Twenty-First Century

Narrative Analysis on Survivor's Experience of Daegu Subway Fire Disaster: The Hypothetical Suggestions for Disaster Nursing Practice

Some fifty survivors participated in the narrative therapy sessions from March 2003 to December 2004, and thirty cases were analyzed using the transcripts. Each participant's surviving story was summarized, and then interpreted and reinterpreted by the survivors themselves in collaboration with the researcher. The two main principles in narrative analysis were hermeneutical distanciation and hermeneutical circulation. First, nursing involvement should play active roles from the early stages of disaster incidents. Specifically, emergency nursing and flexible coping plans are to be available according to the specific properties of each case. Secondly, it is necessary to try to understand the extreme emotional experiences of disaster survival. The horror and pain people feel at an incident cannot simply be generalized, and it requires that each case be approached individually to help stop social alienation. Thirdly, more constant and long-term studies are required to set up nursing strategies for disaster survivors. Forming a trusting relationship with survivors is basic, and formally registering as participants is necessary for continuous interventions. Fourthly, we should deeply appreciate the danger and complexity of modern society and understand the complex nature of disaster. Fifthly, interdisciplinary activities and studies are necessary in combination with various other fields to establish a framework of total nursing care for disaster incidents. Lastly, it is urgently necessary to educate families and friends of the survivors and the society as a whole about life after a disaster.

Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards

Disaster Nursing and Emergency Preparedness for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Terrorism and Other Hazards