Fundamentals of Care in a 1997 Azorean Disaster: A Multiple-Case Study

Area of Science:

• Disaster nursing
• Health systems research
• Public health emergencies

Background:

• Disasters significantly impact global health systems and populations, with increasing frequency and severity.
• Limited empirical evidence exists on specific nursing interventions during disaster response and recovery phases.
• The United Nations advocates for integrated, people-centered health responses to disasters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze fundamental nursing care interventions for disaster victims.
• To understand the evolution of nursing care during disaster recovery.
• To provide insights into person-centered care in disaster situations.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative multiple case study design.
• Documentary analysis of nursing records from two disaster survivors.
• Theoretical support from the Fundamentals of Care Framework and Yin's case study methodology.

Main Results:

• Nursing interventions initially focused on physiological needs, evolving to maintenance, psychosocial support, and adaptation.
• Care integrated advanced technical skills with relational, person-centered interventions like emotional support and therapeutic communication.
• Patient autonomy was promoted throughout the recovery process.

Conclusions:

• Disaster nursing practice should be integrative and person-centered, aligned with international frameworks.
• Enhancing disaster-specific nursing education and developing phase-adapted care protocols are crucial.
• Multicenter longitudinal research is vital for advancing disaster nursing models and informing health policies.