Improving Nurses' Disaster Skills: A Policy Brief on Perceived Core Disaster Competencies

Abstract

In the past two decades, disasters have directly affected the lives of nearly 1.23 million people. Asia is the most affected region in the world by all types of disasters, such as war and natural disasters, accounting for 44% of all disasters, 58% of total deaths, and 70% of all victims. Iran has remained one of the most heavily impacted countries by various disasters. Emergency nurses are expected to use their professional expertise to provide the necessary nursing services to reduce disaster-related risks. Nurses at all levels of healthcare play a crucial role in disaster risk management and must possess the readiness and core competencies to respond to disasters. Therefore, core nursing competencies in emergency situations are essential for dealing with disasters. Policymakers have been too busy or lack the expertise to read and understand complex scientific articles. As a result, they need policy briefs that cover the key points so they can plan and implement the necessary interventions based on evidence. Thus, the aim of this study is to provide a framework for producing policy briefs for policymaking and enhancing nurses' core competencies in disasters by policymakers in government and health authorities. Implications for Policy: Policymakers and hospital managers should design and implement structured training programs to improve nurses' core competencies. Before disasters occur, a written plan with clear roles that are understandable for all nursing staff should be established; this can increase nurses' response times in assisting affected people. It is essential that nursing managers provide specific guidelines for standard and structured training during disasters to enhance nurses' awareness of disasters and communication skills.