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Survey Evaluation of Nursing Emergency Preparedness Training

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2023

Patricia Roblin
Affiliation:
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, University Hospital Downstate, Brooklyn, USA
Jennifer Guzman
Affiliation:
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, University Hospital Downstate, Brooklyn, USA
Bonnie Arquilla
Affiliation:
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, University Hospital Downstate, Brooklyn, USA
Pia Daniel
Affiliation:
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, University Hospital Downstate, Brooklyn, USA
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Abstract

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Introduction:

An effective response to CBRNE requires that frontline staff, such as nurses, are adequately trained in Emergency Preparedness (EP). Understanding the current gaps in nursing knowledge of CBRNE is the first step in creating an effective training program. This study assessed EP training gaps and needs among nursing staff.

Method:

A web-based survey was distributed to all hospital nursing staff. The survey evaluated the CBRNE training that nurses received. Staff listed the types of training they had received and were asked to rate their confidence in performing various disaster-related competencies or capabilities. Competency confidence levels were also surveyed as those who feel; not at all confident or not very confident.

Results:

The survey assessed previous EP training. 572/763 Nursing Staff had completed the survey, for a response rate of 75%. Of the nurses who responded, areas in which they have been trained included: preparedness for radiological and nuclear agents (17.66% trained), preparedness for biological agents (22.20% trained), preparedness for chemical agents (27.45% trained), hazardous materials and patient decontamination (25% trained), and their own role within the hospital's ICS (31.29% trained), Patient evacuation (63.61% trained) and the hospital's EP plan (54.55% trained). The survey also assessed respondents' confidence in performing EP activities. The respondents reported lacking confidence in treating patients exposed to a radioactive material (59.9%), treating patients exposed to a biological agent (57.17%), and performing decontamination procedures (54.71%). The respondents reported having confidence in evacuating patients from units, departments, or hospitals (69.1%). The top incentives for participating in “nonrequired” training were no costs to complete the training (83.1%) and receiving continuing education credits (79.2%).

Conclusion:

A majority of nurses reported inadequate training in CBRNE events with a self-reported lack of confidence in responding to these events. A targeted and educational CBRNE curriculum and materials to enhance EP among nursing professionals are clearly indicated.

Type
Poster Presentations
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine