Development and evaluation of a multimodality simulation disaster education and training program for hospital nurses

Area of Science:

• Disaster nursing education
• Healthcare simulation
• Emergency preparedness

Background:

• Hospital nurses require specialized disaster response competencies.
• Existing training may not adequately prepare nurses for mass casualty events.
• A need exists for effective, evidence-based disaster simulation programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multimodality simulation program for hospital nurses.
• To enhance nurses' disaster response competency.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed simulation program.

Main Methods:

• The ADDIE model was used for program development (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation).
• Formative assessments included direct feedback and debriefing during simulations.
• Summative assessments utilized the Kirkpatrick curriculum evaluation framework.

Main Results:

• Key competencies identified: triage, incident command, surge capacity, life-saving procedures, and special situations.
• Participants demonstrated improved perception, crisis management, problem-solving, and technical skills.
• A total of 40 emergency nurses participated, showing significant competency gains.

Conclusions:

• The multimodality simulation program effectively enhanced hospital nurses' disaster response competency.
• The program led to significant improvements across all assessed disaster response skills.
• This program serves as a foundational tool for future disaster nursing curriculum development.