Disaster management knowledge and practices among nurses: A cross-sectional study

General characteristics of the participants

A total of 60 participants were recruited for the present study, with ages ranging from 24 to 55 years and a mean age of 37.7 years. Among the participants, 27 (45%) were male, and 33 (55%) were female. The participants’ experience varied from 1 to 29 years, with a mean experience of 11.5 years. Regarding educational qualifications, 31.7% had completed a diploma, 61.7% had earned a bachelor’s degree, and 6.7% had completed a master’s degree. It was noted that 38.3% of the participants had no training in disaster management, while 56.7% had received training, and 5% were unsure if they had undergone any training.

Nursing staff’s knowledge and practices regarding disaster preparedness

General awareness and perceptions

An overwhelming majority (95%) of participants recognize that disasters come in many forms, indicating a high level of general awareness about their diverse nature. Similarly, 90% understand that a disaster is characterized by a mismatch between event-driven needs and available resources, suggesting a solid conceptual grasp of disaster dynamics. A substantial proportion of participants (96.7%) acknowledged that Delhi is at risk of both natural and man-made disasters. This high level of agreement reflects widespread recognition of the region’s vulnerability, which is essential for fostering a culture of preparedness. However, only 41.7% of participants had direct experience in dealing with disasters, highlighting a potential gap between theoretical awareness and practical experience. Consistent with the study by Younis et al.⁵ (2020) a significant portion (36.7%) mistakenly believes that disaster management is solely the responsibility of healthcare workers, revealing a critical misconception. While 65% of participants find disaster management literature accessible and 68.3% find it understandable, a notable minority (35% and 32.7%, respectively) struggle with these aspects. In a study by Nasir et al. (2023) 81.6% of participants agreed that disaster preparation is essential for all healthcare personnel, not just doctors or nurses.⁶ In the present study, sufficient support from local officials (66.7%) suggests confidence in governance-level disaster response; however, one-third of participants remain uncertain, indicating room for improvement in public communication and assurance. The data reveals that only 26.7% of participants were fully knowledgeable about the major components of the disaster plan, while 33.3% had partial knowledge and a significant 40% were not familiar with the components at all. Similar results were found in the study by Younis et al.⁵ (2020) where 92% of participants knew what a disaster is and what a disaster plan entails. Additionally, Nasir et al. (2023) found that 72.4% of participants did not know the major components of the disaster plan.⁶ The present study also found that 58.3% of participants were aware of the potential risks and emergencies in the country. While this majority indicates a reasonable level of risk awareness, it also shows that 41.7% of participants may not fully understand the specific risks they face.

Specific knowledge and practical aspects

The principle of triage is well understood by 90% of participants, demonstrating strong knowledge in this critical area. The majority (91.7%) are aware of the hospital’s emergency plan; however, there is a slight decrease (65%) in those familiar with the hospital’s emergency evacuation procedures, indicating a gap in specific procedural knowledge. In contrast to our findings, a study by Tassew et al. (2022) reported that 58.9% of participants were unaware that their hospital had a catastrophe plan.⁷ A high percentage (88.3%) agreed that realistic on-scene training is essential, reflecting an appreciation for practical, hands-on training. Nearly all participants (96.7%) recognize that disaster management is a system-oriented specialty involving multiple responding agencies, reinforcing their understanding of the collaborative nature of disaster response. Awareness of the disaster plan’s location is low, with only 43.3% knowing where to find it. This represents a critical area for improvement, as quick access to the plan is essential during a disaster. While most participants (93.3%) know what drills are and 83.3% understand their roles during a drill, there remains a portion of staff who may need further clarification and training regarding their specific responsibilities. A cross-sectional study by Nargesi et al. (2024) found that knowledge of disaster management among participants was moderate, attributed to the fact that 80.4% had not attended any training courses on disaster management. This indicates that effective knowledge of disaster plans cannot be achieved without proper education on their components.⁸

Recommendations to improve knowledge

Educational initiatives should emphasize that disaster management is multidisciplinary, involving various sectors beyond healthcare. Efforts should focus on enhancing the accessibility and comprehensibility of disaster management literature, along with improving information dissemination through regular training and effective communication channels. Specific training on hospital emergency evacuation procedures and realistic on-scene training is crucial. Regular drills, disaster simulations, and comprehensive educational materials are essential for preparedness. Public awareness campaigns and community involvement should be encouraged, with regular assessments to adjust strategies as needed.

Disaster management practices

The assessment of disaster management practices reveals various strengths and weaknesses in the current system, providing insights into areas that require improvement to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Participation in drills and exercises

Only 10% of participants regularly engage in disaster management drills and exercises. While 33% participate rarely, 36.7% do so occasionally, and 20% never participate. This highlights a significant gap in regular involvement with disaster preparedness activities. Consistent participation in drills is crucial for maintaining readiness and ensuring that all individuals are familiar with their roles and responsibilities during a disaster. Perceptions of disaster management practices vary among participants: 10% feel that the practices are very effective, 46.7% consider them effective, a substantial 33.3% remain neutral, and 10% find them ineffective. This mixed perception suggests that while some aspects of disaster management practices are functioning well, others may need reassessment and improvement. In a similar study by Nasir et al. (2023) only 36.6% of participants felt that hospital preparedness was adequate.⁶ A majority (63.3%) acknowledged that disaster drills are conducted in the hospital; however, the fact that 70% reported no ongoing training indicates a disconnect between the occurrence of drills and the provision of continuous training. Regular and ongoing training is essential to keep skills sharp and ensure that staff remain prepared for emergencies. Similar results were observed in the study by Younis et al.⁵ (2020) where 48% of participants reported that there was no ongoing training being conducted. The study by Singhal et al. (2016) also found that perceptions of disaster preparedness training and the execution of drills were largely negative.⁹ Approximately 46.7% of participants stated that the disaster plan in the hospital is updated frequently, which is a positive indication that the hospital is actively maintaining its disaster management strategies. However, this also implies that over half of the participants may perceive the updates as infrequent or may be unaware of them, highlighting the need for improved communication and transparency regarding plan updates. Less than half (45%) of the participants have personal or family emergency plans, which is concerning. Personal preparedness is a crucial component of overall disaster readiness, and encouraging staff to develop and maintain their own emergency plans can significantly enhance their ability to respond effectively during a crisis. The results in this regard align with findings from the study by Reche et al. (2016) where 54.7% of participants agreed that individuals and their families are not adequately prepared for a disaster.¹⁰ A striking 95% of participants agree on the need for more workshops and simulated training. This overwhelming consensus underscores the recognition that current training efforts are insufficient and highlights a strong desire for enhanced educational opportunities to better prepare for disasters. Similarly, a cross-sectional study by Shabbir et al. (2017) found poor practices, with 83.3% of participants indicating a need for additional training.¹¹

Skills and training assessment

A majority (58.3%) of participants feel their role in disaster management is clear, while 20% do not and 21.7% are unsure. Clarity of roles is vital for an efficient disaster response, and steps should be taken to ensure that all staff understand their specific duties. Additionally, 66.7% feel prepared to handle potential risks and disaster emergencies, whereas 30.3% do not, and 20% are unsure. This indicates a moderate level of confidence but also highlights the need for further training and reassurance. In contrast to our findings, a cross-sectional study by Fung et al. (2008) reported that nearly all nurses (97%) felt inadequately prepared for disasters.¹² It was observed that 60% of participants attended workshops or seminars on disaster management, yet only 35% feel that the knowledge gained is sufficient for real situations. This suggests that while educational opportunities exist, their effectiveness may be limited, highlighting the need for a review and improvement of these programs. A high percentage (78.3%) feel that their nursing education has prepared them for disaster scenarios, which is encouraging. However, ongoing professional development is crucial to maintain and enhance these skills. A vast majority (93.3%) are willing to participate in emergency medicine education as part of their continuous professional development, indicating a strong commitment to enhance their skills and knowledge. Over half (56.7%) believe that extracurricular resources such as the Internet, Television, radio, and newspapers provide sufficient readiness for disaster practice, while 43.3% do not. This underscores the importance of incorporating diverse educational tools and resources into disaster preparedness training. Nearly all participants (96.7%) expressed the need for more training focused on providing patient-centered care during disasters, highlighting a critical area for development to ensure that healthcare providers can deliver effective and compassionate care in emergency situations.

Recommendations to improve practices

Mandatory, regular disaster drills and continuous training programs with practical exercises are crucial for staff preparedness. Educational interventions should encompass workshops, seminars, and various tools such as digital media and simulations to enhance knowledge and attitudes. Staff should be educated on personal emergency plans and have a clear understanding of their roles during disasters. Additional training should focus on delivering patient-centered care, emphasizing empathy, communication, and practical skills.