Who will show up? Nursing students’ knowledge, perceived ability, and willingness in responding to disaster

Abstract

Aims The healthcare professionals’ capacity and obligation to provide services in a disaster are the indispensable elements in disaster management. Effective disaster training could enhance nursing competence and other attributes in handling public health emergencies and disasters. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of disaster education among undergraduate nursing students.

Methods This study adopted a single group, pre, and post-test research design. Students who were 1) aged 18 or above, 2) studying a disaster and trauma nursing course of undergraduate nursing programs in a large tertiary institution were recruited. The self-completed questionnaire about knowledge, willingness, and ability in disaster management with open-ended questions for 3 major concerns that would influence participants’ willingness & perceived ability was used. The reliability for the measurements is satisfied: Perceived ability pre and post-course α= 0.89; Willingness pre and post-course α=0.79.

Results Totally 157 students with 82.2% of female and 17.8% of male participated in the study. Most of them aged 21- 23. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare disaster knowledge, willingness, and perceived ability before and after the training course. Positive significant results were found in disaster knowledge (t(149) = -8.25, p<.01, d = -0.93) and perceived ability (t(156) = -7.95, p<.01, d = -0.90). In details, the perceived ability has a significant increase for each item, which effect sizes range from -0.52 to -0.87. However, there is no significant improvement in willingness. Their major concerns were personal risk perceptions; the nature, location, and proximity of different disasters; and adequacy of organizational support.

Conclusions Incorporation of disaster training into the tertiary education curricula and essential components of basic training for nursing professionals could be a long-term strategy to expand the number and preparation of healthcare professionals for future disasters. Government or healthcare organizations should provide strategies and adequate support to allay their concerns.