Preparedness to act in a disaster: the perspective of nurses in the emergency department

perspetiva dos enfermeiros do Serviço de Urgência

Authors

  • Maria Teresa Ferreira Unidade de Saúde Local de Barcelos/Esposende, Barcelos, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1233-4676
  • Clementina Sousa Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7536-3557
  • Rui Gonçalves Unidade de Saúde Local de Barcelos/Esposende, Barcelos, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0215e.34538

Keywords:

disaster response; disaster planning; emergency hospital service; disaster emergencies; the role of the nursing professional

Abstract

Introduction: The occurrence of disasters has been increasing all over the world and Portugal is no exception, with a significant impact on the health of populations. On the other hand, scientific evidence shows that the current training system does not prepare health professionals to respond to catastrophic events. The recently faced COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown that even the best health systems have been overwhelmed, devastated and on the brink of collapse.

Objective: To analyze the perception of nurses in an Emergency Department (ED) about their preparation to work in a disaster situation and relate it to sociodemographic and professional variables.

Methods: This is a quantitative, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study using the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool, Portuguese version, applied to 60 ED nurses from a hospital in Northern Portugal. The collected data were submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical treatment, taking into account the intrinsic ethical considerations.

Results: They show that ED nurses do not feel prepared to intervene in disaster situations. However, males and those with advanced training in the area of emergency and/or disaster reveal to be more prepared, with statistically significant differences in skills related to "knowledge," "post-disaster management," and overall score.

Conclusion: Institutional contingency plans are essential, but in order for them to be operationalized efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to be constantly updated and periodically simulacra so that each professional becomes aware of their importance and knows their mission and functions.

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Published

2024-07-09

How to Cite

Ferreira, M. T., Sousa, C., & Gonçalves, R. (2024). Preparedness to act in a disaster: the perspective of nurses in the emergency department : perspetiva dos enfermeiros do Serviço de Urgência . Millenium - Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health, (15e), e34538. https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0215e.34538

Issue

Section

Life and Healthcare Sciences