Evaluating the Difference in Emergency Nurses' Disaster Response Self-Reported Confidence and Assessed Knowledge...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Disaster Preparedness
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Effective disaster response requires well-prepared emergency department (ED) nurses.
• Current online training may not adequately equip nurses for real-world disaster scenarios.
• Assessing the impact of practical training on ED nurse preparedness is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a practical, face-to-face emergency disaster incident response training program.
• To determine if this training improves self-reported confidence and assessed knowledge among ED nurses.
• To compare the outcomes of practical training with standard online training.

Main Methods:

• A single-site prospective pre-test and post-test randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• The intervention group received practical, face-to-face disaster response training.
• The control group completed mandatory annual online hospital training.

Main Results:

• A large difference in post-test median self-reported confidence was observed between groups, favoring the practical training.
• A significant proportion of nurses in the practical training group achieved satisfactory self-reported confidence levels post-intervention.
• Moderate differences in post-test median knowledge and satisfactory knowledge levels were noted, favoring the practical training group.

Conclusions:

• Practical, face-to-face disaster preparedness education in the clinical setting enhances ED nurses' readiness for emergency disaster incidents.
• Organizations should integrate structured, practical, face-to-face training to supplement existing online disaster preparedness programs.
• This approach improves both confidence and knowledge, leading to better overall preparedness for ED nurses.