General nurse competencies in disaster: A delphi study

The aim of this study is to understand the significance of a disaster-related competence framework for Portuguese general nurses and identify from ICN - Core Competencies in Disaster Nursing version 2.0 core competencies description, those that are considered crucial for a competent preparedness and response in disaster scenarios.

Research suggests that the occurrence of disasters will be more recurrent, requiring that nurses, pillars of any health system, have knowledge, skills and preparedness to face these events.

An exploratory, cross-sectional qualitative study was carried out. Delphi method was used for data collection.

The study group consisted of technical-scientific council's presidents or coordinators/directors of nursing courses, nurses integrated in the Portuguese Council of Nurses and National Nursing Specialty Colleges and nurses with experience in the field of disasters.

Findings revealed that there is consensus on sixteen competencies, considered relevant for developing general nurse knowledge and competence, both at a national or international level, in the field of disasters.

The development of these competencies which establishes practice standards, building nurses skills and knowledge and ultimately, influencing nursing level-entry curricula's, conferring professional autonomy and self-regulation, in the field of disaster are fundamental. Furthermore, this study may serve as a reference for future alignment of competency frameworks between European Union countries or others.