Evaluation of a Novel Disaster Nursing Education Method

Objective: A common method of disaster training is needed to improve disaster nursing education and facilitate better communication among interprofessional disaster responders. To inform the development of disaster nursing curricula, a novel disaster nursing education method consistent with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and the international Council of Nurses (ICN) framework was developed to improve disaster nursing competencies in a baccalaureate nursing program. Methods: In total, 89 undergraduate nursing students participated. Perceived disaster nursing knowledge, confidence, and training/response were assessed with 14 items before and after the education. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed 3 factors, knowledge, confidence, and training/response, explained 71% of variation in items. Nursing students showed large improvements in perceived disaster nursing knowledge (t= 11.95, P< 0.001, Cohen's d= 1.76), moderate increases in perceived confidence (t= 4.54, P< 0.001, d= 0.67), and no change in disaster training and response (t= 0.94, P=0.351, d= 0.13). Conclusions: Results show preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of disaster nursing education informed by HSEEP. This training has the potential to fill current practice gaps in disaster nursing knowledge and build confidence to use those skills in practice.