Evolution of a collaborative model between nursing and computer science faculty and a community service organization...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Informatics
• Computer Science Applications
• Disaster Management Technology

Background:

• Nursing and computer science professionals collaborated with the American Red Cross.
• A national grant funded a 3-year investigation into information technology's role in disaster services.
• The goal was to improve nurses' access to community resources during disasters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of information technology for enhancing disaster services.
• To field test an information system for community disaster preparedness.
• To evaluate the benefits of interdisciplinary and community collaboration in research.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary partnership between academia and the American Red Cross.
• Development and field testing of an information system across seven Red Cross chapters.
• Collaborative research model involving students, faculty, and community partners.

Main Results:

• Field tests demonstrated significant benefits of the implemented information technology.
• The study highlighted the value of interdisciplinary research approaches.
• A sustainable model for future learning and research was established.

Conclusions:

• Information technology can effectively improve disaster preparedness and resource access for nurses.
• Interdisciplinary and community-based collaborations are crucial for successful research and implementation.
• The project established a replicable model for future academic-community partnerships in disaster services.