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Are nurses prepared to respond to a bioterrorist attack: a narrative synthesis
Claire Smith1, Alistair Hewison
1Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, Brighton, UK. bba_y2k@yahoo.co.uk
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|June 20, 2012
Summary
Nurses are willing to respond to bioterrorist events but feel unprepared. Enhancing nurse education with bioterrorism training and personal preparation is crucial for effective response strategies.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare preparedness
- Emergency response
- Nursing education
Background:
- Global response strategies for bioterrorist events were developed after the 2001 anthrax attacks.
- The preparedness of nurses to respond to bioterrorist events remains unclear despite these strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and evaluate nurses' preparedness to respond to bioterrorist events.
- To synthesize existing research on this critical topic.
Main Methods:
- A narrative synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies published between 1996 and March 2010.
- Searches were conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, BNI, and EMBASE databases.
- Greenhalgh's critical appraisal criteria were used for review.
Main Results:
- Seven studies were included, identifying four key themes influencing preparedness: perceptions of bioterrorism, formal knowledge, institutional plans, and personal factors.
- Nurses expressed a willingness to respond but reported feeling unprepared.
- The overarching theme highlighted nurses' willingness versus their perceived readiness.
Conclusions:
- Integrating bioterrorism training into existing nursing education, such as infection control, can improve preparedness.
- Nurses need to engage in personal preparation for bioterrorist attacks.
- Addressing knowledge gaps and institutional support is vital for enhancing nurse readiness.
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