Alternate Care Sites: A Novel Concept in Nepal During Disaster and Public Health Emergencies.

ABSTRACT: Nepal has a health care system that is complicated by access, affordability, and availability. The geographical difficulty makes the health care reach to public more difficult. Nepal being a disasterprone country, it makes very important to strengthen the disaster preparedness up to the mark before the disaster strikes. During disaster and public health emergencies, the healthcare system quickly becomes overwhelmed or structural damage makes it non-functional, which necessitate the prior identification of Alternate Care Site by health service providers. Incorporating the identification of Alternate Care Sites into the Hospital Disaster Preparedness Plan represents a crucial transition from theoretical discussion to practical implementation for strengthening healthcare facilities. . This paper discusses the concept of Alternate Care site and its implementation in Nepal's health emergency preparedness for disaster and public health emergencies.

Embracing leadership of local actors and community in disaster risk reduction of Yogyakarta.

The Disaster Preparedness Village (Kampung Siaga Bencana or KSB) in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province (DIY) is a community that aims to increase community preparedness and resilience to disasters through collaboration between the local government, non-government organisations and the community. This research examines the sustainability factors of KSB, namely the role of local leadership and government collaboration in disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. The method used in this research is a qualitative method and Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis, then using a diamond model to visualise the role of local leadership and the role of government. The results of this research show the importance of local leadership role in the sustainability of KSB. Factors contributing to the success of DIY KSB include independence, fulfillment of social granary logistics and effective two-way communication between KSB management and the village government (Kalurahan). The study supports that effective local leadership empowers the community, influences resource utilisation and facilitates collaborative efforts with the village government and volunteer organisations to address disaster management priorities. In addition, the most significant shortcomings in community leadership based on trust cultural value will negatively impact their sustainability and activeness if the local actors as mobilisers are inactive, and there is no regeneration of active new leaders. The Umbulharjo KSB case study exemplifies effective local leadership, mainly through Jagabaya, the chairman of KSB management. Strong local leadership is a fundamental element in developing a cohesive community actively involved in DRR efforts. Contribution: The study reveals that local leadership significantly contributes to the development and sustained activity of KSB. The research concludes by emphasising the multifaceted nature of local leadership, considering various perspectives and the community's values and goals. The diamond model illustrates the intersection between societal opportunities and government support, demonstrating the realisation of goals through effective local leadership.

Lessons From the February 2023 Turkish Earthquake.

On February 6, 2023, Turkey was struck by the most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939, leaving millions of people devastated and homeless with over 36,000 casualties. According to the Ministry of Health, at least 50% of the major health centers were damaged, with only about 30% of the pre-existing doctors able to help. The earthquake occurred during a harsh winter and amidst an ongoing humanitarian complex situation in Syria resulting from the Syrian civil war that started in 2011. This report aims to present the Turkish 2023 earthquake preparedness and mitigation efforts. The objective of this article is to extract valuable insights and identify measures that can be taken to improve response based on the lessons learned from this event.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Position Statement: Breastfeeding in Emergencies.

Background: During emergencies, including natural disasters and armed conflict, breastfeeding is critically important. Breastfeeding provides reliable nutrition and protection against infectious diseases, without the need for clean water, feeding implements, electricity, or external supplies. Key Information: Protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding should be an integral part of all emergency preparedness plans. Breastfeeding specialists should be part of plan development. Emergency protocols should include breastfeeding specialists among emergency relief personnel, provide culturally sensitive environments for breastfeeding, and prioritize caregivers of infants in food/water distribution. Emergency relief personnel should be aware that dehydration and missed feedings can impact milk production, but stress alone does not. Emergency support should focus on keeping mothers and infants together and providing private and/or protected spaces for mothers to breastfeed or express milk. Emergency support should also focus on rapidly identifying mothers with breastfeeding difficulties and breastfeeding mothers and infants who are separated, so their needs can be prioritized. Breastfeeding support should be available to all women experiencing difficulties, including those needing reassurance. Nonbreastfed infants should be identified as a priority group requiring support. Relactation, wet-nursing, and donor milk should be considered for nonbreastfed infants. No donations of commercial milk formula (CMF), feeding bottles or teats, or breast pumps should be accepted in emergencies. The distribution of CMF must be highly controlled, provided only when infants cannot be breastfed and accompanied by a comprehensive package of support. Recommendations: Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding should be included in all emergency preparedness planning and in training of personnel.

Training Public Health Nurses on Disaster Shelter Care Using a Flipped Classroom Approach.

OBJECTIVE: With the increase in natural disasters and the expected role of public health nurses (PHNs) in responding, it is crucial to develop evidence-based disaster preparedness and management training programs tailored to the needs of PHNs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach in disaster training for PHNs. METHODS: A total of 42 PHNs completed a 5-hour online training program and an in-person 8-hour training session at a local nursing school. Surveys measuring self-reported confidence and knowledge were completed at the beginning and end of the online and in-person training. RESULTS: The average years of experience as an RN and PHN were 12.3 years and 6.7 years, respectively. Approximately 64% of participants had never deployed during a disaster. The pre- and posttest demonstrated a large effect size, indicating the effectiveness of both online and in-person training. The online training resulted in significant changes in knowledge. The in-person training showed a statistically significant increase in confidence across all measures. CONCLUSIONS: Online and in-person disaster preparedness training programs can effectively enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of PHNs. The majority of participants expressed that the training better prepared them to work in disaster shelters.

Deadly yet Preventable? Lessons From South Korea's Halloween Crowd Crush.

Avoidable disasters are both saddening and baffling. In 2022, 159 people, mostly in their 20s, and 30s were crushed to death in Itaewon's narrow alleyway amid South Korea's first pandemic-restrictions-free Halloween celebration. What is particularly sobering about this tragedy is that although many people called police hotlines as crowds became cramped and static, their calls went unheeded for hours. Rather than order independent investigations into the catastrophe (as of January 2024), the President of South Korea at the time focused on superficial issues such as asking the public to refer to the disaster as an "accident" (which it was not, it was an avoidable disaster) and the casualties as "the dead" (who are casualties indeed, instead of victims of a preventable tragedy). In this paper, we examine how officials' complacency about public health and safety dangers, ineffective disaster prevention, and preparedness systems, as well as the government's chronic lack of prioritization of public health and safety may have contributed to the disaster. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of creating integrated public health and safety protection systems to prevent similar tragedies from happening.

Exploring ambulance clinicians' clinical reasoning when training mass casualty incidents using virtual reality: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: How ambulance clinicians (ACs) handle a mass casualty incident (MCI) is essential for the suffered, but the training and learning for the ACs are sparse and they don't have the possibility to learn without realistic simulation training. In addition, it is unclear what type of dilemmas ACs process in their clinical reasoning during an MCI. With virtual reality (VR) simulation, the ACs clinical reasoning can be explored in a systematic way. Therefore, the objective was to explore ambulance clinicians' clinical reasoning when simulating a mass casualty incident using virtual reality. METHODS: This study was conducted as an explorative interview study design using chart- stimulated recall technique for data collection. A qualitative content analysis was done, using the clinical reasoning cycle as a deductive matrix. A high-fidelity VR simulation with MCI scenarios was used and participants eligible for inclusion were 11 senior ACs. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: All phases of the clinical reasoning cycle were found to be reflected upon by the participants during the interviews, however with a varying richness of analytic reflectivity. Non-analytic reasoning predominated when work tasks followed specific clinical guidelines, but analytical reasoning appeared when the guidelines were unclear or non-existent. Using VR simulation led to training and reflection on action in a safe and systematic way and increased self-awareness amongst the ACs regarding their preparedness for MCIs. This study increases knowledge both regarding ACs clinical reasoning in MCIs, and insights regarding the use of VR for simulation training.

Factors Affecting Nurses' Disaster Preparedness in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: It is of critical importance to determine the factors that contribute to nurses' disaster preparedness. This study aimed to examine nurses' perceptions of disaster preparedness and the factors affecting it. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted with 464 nurses working in the East Marmara region of Türkiye. The data were collected online using the "Personal Information Form," "The Scale of Perception of Disaster Preparedness on Nurses," and the "Adult Motivation Scale." Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors. RESULTS: It was found that nurses possessed a high level of perceived disaster preparedness, influenced by individual disaster preparedness, status of receiving disaster-related training, willingness to respond in the case of a disaster, disaster plan awareness, experience with caring for disaster victims, extrinsic motivation, and general motivation. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study offer evidence that can be implemented by managers and educators to better prepare nurses for disasters. Hospital administrators and policy makers should consider the factors affecting nurses' perception of disaster preparedness to develop solutions for such disasters.

Bringing the operating room to the field: lessons learned from on-scene field amputations.

INTRODUCTION: Complicated field extrication may require the assistance of a surgical team to perform an on-scene limb amputation. Although a rare event, when needed, an organized and efficient response is critical to successful outcomes. METHODS: The Los Angeles County Hospital Emergency Response Team (HERT) program and the organization of the team is described, and a multidisciplinary quality improvement process reviewed and analyzed two cases and identified areas for performance improvement. RESULTS: Experience shapes policy and procedures within the HERT program. The timeliness of HERT activation has a major influence on the success of extrication, and regular drills of the multidisciplinary team consisting of trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses, paramedics, and fire department allow for rapid, effective activation. Post-event quality improvement process reviews the timeline of events, provider activation, communication across field and hospital providers, in-hospital events, and medical decision making throughout. Critical analysis of every step helps prepare for any subsequent encounter. CONCLUSION: A well-organized and rehearsed protocol to streamline activation and transportation of a well-trained, designated team, in addition to pre-packaged surgical supplies and an effective communication tree are essential elements of a HERT program.

Does Disaster Severity Have a Long-Term Effect on Survivors' Disaster Preparedness? A Survey a Decade after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China.

OBJECTIVES: Disaster experiences have long-term effects on disaster preparedness. This study examined the long-term (10-y) effect of disaster severity of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake on survivors' disaster preparedness and the moderating effects of household vulnerability. METHODS: The data were collected in January 2018 covering 30 counties in Wenchuan earthquake-stricken areas. The dependent variable was survivors' disaster preparedness (including overall, material, knowledge and awareness, and action preparedness) in 2018. Disaster severity included survivors' housing damage and county death rate caused by the earthquake in 2008. Household vulnerability is a set of conditions that negatively affects the ability of people to prepare for and withstand disaster, proxied by households' per-capita income and the highest years of schooling of household members. We performed multivariable linear regression models to answer the research questions. RESULTS: A higher county death rate was associated with better overall preparedness (ß = 0.043; P < 0.05) and knowledge and awareness preparedness (ß = 0.018; P < 0.05), but housing damage was not significantly associated with disaster preparedness. The positive association of county death rate with overall preparedness (ß = -0.065; P < 0.05) becomes weaker when a household has a higher per-capita income. Also, with the household per-capita income increasing, the associations of county death rate with material preparedness (ß = -0.037; P < 0.05) and action preparedness (ß = -0.034; P < 0.01) become weaker. CONCLUSIONS: Disaster severity has positive and long-term effects on survivors' disaster preparedness. Also, the positive and long-term effects are affected by household vulnerability. Specifically, the positive and long-term effects of disaster severity on disaster preparedness are more substantial when a household is more vulnerable.

Role of Kader Siaga Bencana in the flood management of selected Kampung Siaga Bencana.

Health cadres and community leaders' empowerment to become flood disaster preparedness cadres (Kader Siaga Bencana, KSB) still needs to be improved. The study aimed to assess flood management practices among families with disaster-vulnerable groups, as well as KSB candidates (posyandu/health cadres, community leaders) in flood management initiatives in flood-prone areas. The study used a cross-sectional design of 100 families with flood-prone groups and 100 health cadres and community leaders. They were selected using simple random sampling in five selected villages of Jakarta city affected by floods and Disaster Alert Villages (Kasmpung Siaga Bencana, DAV). Most family respondents had a low knowledge level of DAV, and inadequate knowledge of flood warning system, emergency response plan, and flood management practices, despite having good family support. Health cadres and community leaders as KSB candidates were assessed using four parameters of knowledge on KSB - flood early warning system, emergency response plan, natural hazards and flood knowledge, and flood management practice. With their sound understanding of natural hazards and floods, health cadres and community leaders were 4.52 times more likely to have good flood management practices compared to those with inadequate knowledge. Both elements of the community have the potential to be KSB because of good disaster knowledge and the presence of the flood early warning system in the community. Intervention studies to increase the knowledge and practical ability of KSB in disaster management are also needed. Contribution: The research assessed the initial readiness of health cadres and community leaders to become disaster preparedness cadres in flood management. It is necessary to provide training to develop their expertise as KSB.

Extended reality training for mass casualty incidents: a systematic review on effectiveness and experience of medical first responders.

INTRODUCTION: Mass casualty incidents (MCI) are unforeseeable and complex events that occur worldwide, therefore enhancing the training that medical first responders (MFRs) receive is fundamental to strengthening disaster preparedness and response. In recent years, extended reality (XR) technology has been introduced as a new approach and promising teaching technique for disaster medicine education. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of XR simulation as a tool to train MFRs in MCIs, and to explore the perception and experience of participants to these new forms of training. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the "Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses" (PRISMA) statement. Four databases were searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACs) using a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant articles, and MetaQAT was used as a study quality assessment tool. Data from included studies was not pooled for meta-analysis due to heterogeneity. Extracted data was synthesised in a narrative, semi-quantitative manner. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included from 8 different countries. Studies encompassed a variety of participants (e.g., nurses, paramedics, physicians), interventions (virtual, mixed and augmented reality), comparators (comparison between two groups and single groups with pre-post evaluation), and outcomes (effectiveness and MFR perception). The synthesis of data indicated that XR was an effective tool for prehospital MCI training by means of improved triage accuracy, triage time, treatment accuracy, performance correctness and/or knowledge acquired. These XR systems were well perceived by MFRs, who expressed their interest and satisfaction towards this learning experience and emphasized its usefulness and relevance. CONCLUSION: This research supports the usefulness and significance of XR technology that allows users to enhance their skills and confidence when facing forthcoming disasters. The findings summarize recommendations and suggestions for the implementation, upgrade and/or assessment of this novel and valuable teaching method.

Factors related to the disaster preparedness of patients on haemodialysis from Sichuan, China, during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate personal preparedness among patients on haemodialysis (HD) and to examine the relationship among sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward disaster preparedness and personal preparedness behaviours during natural disaster incidents. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used. A total of 446 participants from six areas of Sichuan province completed the online questionnaire study from February 27 to March 13, 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward disaster preparedness and personal preparedness behaviours were measured. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward disaster preparedness. The relationship among sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward disaster preparedness and personal preparedness behaviours were assessed using ordinal regression. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 446 participants completed the survey. Of these, 42.15% (N = 188) were poorly prepared, 26.23% (N = 117) were moderately prepared and 31.61% (N = 141) were highly prepared. Ordinal regression showed that knowing about disaster preparedness (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.691, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.081-2.644, p = 0.021), participating in disaster evacuation exercises (OR = 2.519, 95% CI = 1.595-3.977, p < 0.001) and learning about disaster preparedness (OR = 2.421, 95% CI = 1.542-3.802, p < 0.001) were associated with high preparedness. Compared to patients with a university degree or higher, patients with a junior high school education or lower (OR = 3.491, 95% CI = 1.760-6.925, p < 0.001) and senior high school degree (OR = 2.052, 95% CI = 1.038-4.057, p = 0.039) were associated with high preparedness. Patients who felt very confident and could deal with all their needs (OR = 3.878, 95% CI = 2.904-7.181, p < 0.001) or patients who felt confident and could meet some of their needs (OR = 1.949, 95% CI = 1.124-3.379, p = 0.017) had higher preparedness than those who felt less confident and were not well prepared to take care of their needs. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: After obtaining each participant's consent, they filled out the online questionnaire using their own or a relative's cell phone while undergoing HD. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: It is essential that patients should be educated not only on medical specialty topics, but also on general disaster preparedness. Medical institutions should improve and reinforce preparation training among targeted populations. The low level of preparedness is partly due to the lack of participation of patients in disaster preparedness programs. Dialysis center managers should be urged to implement such programs at their centers.

Disaster preparedness perceptions and psychological first-aid competencies of psychiatric nurses.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the disaster preparedness perceptions and psychological first-aid competencies of psychiatric nurses. BACKGROUND: Nurses must recognize the risks before a disaster occurs and have an action plan for providing effective physical and psychological care to patients and other affected individuals during and after the disaster. It is especially important for psychiatric nurses caring for a high-risk group, such as psychiatric patients, to be prepared for disasters and be able to support patients by recognizing the psychological reactions that may occur after a disaster and managing their care accordingly. METHODS: For this cross-sectional and correlational study, data on 122 nurses were collected using a personal information form, the preparedness perception scale of disaster in nurses, and the psychological first-aid application self-efficacy scale. RESULTS: The mean score for the participants' perception of overall disaster preparedness was 76.70 ± 8.30, the mean score for the preparation stage was 27.02 ± 2.82, the mean score for the intervention stage was 30.40 ± 5.15, the mean score for the post-disaster stage was 19.27 ± 2.88, and the mean score for psychological first-aid application self-efficacy was 140.28 ± 19.17. CONCLUSION: The findings showed that psychiatric nurses were above the medium level in terms of disaster preparedness perceptions and psychological first-aid application self-efficacy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: It is important for nurses caring for high-risk groups, such as psychiatric patients, to be aware of disaster preparedness, to recognize psychological reactions that may be observed after a disaster, and to be aware of psychological first-aid practices that can be used to intervene in a disaster.

The impact of surge capacity enhancement training for nursing managers on hospital disaster preparedness and response: an action research study.

INTRODUCTION: Hospitals as the main providers of healthcare services play an essential role in the management of disasters and emergencies. Nurses are one of the important and influential elements in increasing the surge capacity of hospitals. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the effect of surge capacity enhancement training for nursing managers on hospital disaster preparedness and response. METHODS: All nursing managers employed at Motahari Hospital in Tehran took part in this interventional pre- and post-test action research study. Ultimately, a total of 20 nursing managers were chosen through a census method and underwent training in hospital capacity fluctuations. The Iranian version of the "Hospital Emergency Response Checklist" was used to measure hospital disaster preparedness and response before and after the intervention. RESULTS: The overall hospital disaster preparedness and response score was 184 (medium level) before the intervention and 216 (high level) after the intervention. The intervention was effective in improving the dimensions of hospital disaster preparedness, including "command and control", "triage", "human resources", "communication", "surge capacity", "logistics and supply", "safety and security", and "recovery", but had not much impact on the "continuity of essential services" component. CONCLUSION: The research demonstrated that enhancing the disaster preparedness of hospitals can be achieved by training nursing managers using an action research approach. Encouraging their active participation in identifying deficiencies, problems, and weaknesses related to surge capacity, and promoting the adoption and implementation of suitable strategies, can enhance overall hospital disaster preparedness.

Essential competencies of nurses for climate change response in Saudi Arabia: A rapid literature review.

AIM: Amidst the mounting challenges posed by climate change, the healthcare sector emerges as a vital frontliner, with nurses standing as its linchpins. This review delves into the pivotal role of nurses in combatting the health consequences of climatic alterations, particularly within the nuanced environment of Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: A rapid literature review. METHOD: Drawing from a rigorous analysis of 53 studies, our exploration revolves around the preparedness strategies formulated in response to Saudi Arabia's changing climate. The variables analysed included study design, sample size, focus area, geographical coverage and key findings related to nurse competencies. Data were collected using a structured data extraction form and analysed using thematic content analysis. Employing content analysis, we discerned essential domains: from grasping the health impacts of climate change to customizing care for the most susceptible populations and championing advocacy initiatives. FINDINGS: Salient findings highlight nurses' profound understanding of both direct and secondary health implications of climate shifts. Additionally, the results emphasize the tailored interventions needed for vulnerable groups, capacity building and disaster readiness. Crucially, our findings spotlight the significance of weaving cultural, ethical and regional threads into nursing strategies. By painting a comprehensive picture, we showcase the delicate balance of environmental evolution, healthcare dynamics and the unique socio-cultural tapestry of Saudi Arabia. CONCLUSION: The results of our analysis revealed key competencies required for nurses, including the ability to address immediate health impacts, provide tailored care for vulnerable populations and engage in advocacy and policy formulation. In summation, nurses' multifaceted roles-from immediate medical care to research, advocacy and strategizing-underscore their invaluable contribution to confronting the health adversities sparked by climate change. Our review accentuates the essential contributions of nurses in tackling climate-related health hurdles and calls for more nuanced research, policy adjustments and proactive measures attuned to Saudi Arabia's distinct backdrop.

Estimating the loss-reduction effects of disaster preparedness and mitigation: An empirical study of US coastal states.

As extreme weather events like floods and storms continue to increase, it is crucial to examine the degree to which various disaster preparedness and mitigation investments can lower these risks. In this research, we empirically examine the effects of multiple federal disaster aid programs on reducing subsequent flood- and storm-related damages across US coastal states. Our analysis distinguishes aid programs and their funded projects targeting different emergency management functions, including preparedness, nonstructural and structural mitigation, emergency response and protective measures, and rehabilitation of public infrastructure. We construct panel data of more than 1800 US counties over the years 2000-2019 and estimate a fixed-effects model with time-varying county-level socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. We find that disaster aid generally helps mitigate property damages, although this loss-reduction effect varies by program. Among all aid programs, the Emergency Management Performance Grant results in the largest reduction of future flood damages. The Public Assistance grants supporting emergency work are also found to exert a strong effect on risk reduction. We also find that the impacts of disaster aid are higher in coastal counties. Our study is one of the first few examining the resilience implication of disaster aid in coastal counties, and our results underscore the importance of investing in capacity building, contingency planning, and consistency in maintenance.

Integrating Inter-Professional Insights for Enhanced Disaster Response: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Jubail's Royal Commission Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate disaster preparedness and management among an inter-professional team at the Royal Commission Hospital (RCH) in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Conducted between May and July 2023, this cross-sectional study involved healthcare providers in both patient-facing and non-patient-facing roles. Participants responded to a comprehensive online questionnaire comprising 22 questions across seven sections covering aspects of emergency response, disaster management, and infection control. The study targeted a minimum sample size of 500 participants, successfully garnering responses from 512 individuals. Results: Of the 512 participants, 59.9% (n=312) were healthcare providers in patient-facing roles, and 40.1% (n=209) were in non-patient-facing roles. The results revealed notable disparities in awareness and preparedness between these two groups. Healthcare providers demonstrated higher awareness levels compared to their non-patient-facing counterparts. For instance, 76.9% of healthcare providers were aware of the hospital's emergency response plan compared to 56.2% of non-healthcare providers (χ² = 52.165, p < 0.001). Similar disparities were observed in understanding the term "disaster" (86.5% vs 54.1%, χ² = 27.931, p < 0.001), and awareness of a command center (73.4% vs 45.2%, χ² = 42.934, p < 0.001). Discussion: These findings underscore the critical need for enhancing awareness, education, and preparedness within healthcare facilities, emphasizing an integrated approach that includes both healthcare and non-healthcare staff. By addressing these gaps, healthcare facilities can significantly improve their emergency response efficiency, disaster management capabilities, and infection control measures, thereby enhancing the overall safety and quality of patient care.

Disaster preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American communities.

Disaster experiences and explorations of preparedness among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi Americans (APIDA) in the United States are often overlooked owing to their relatively smaller population share. APIDA are not homogenous, and their disaster experiences warrant further examination. This paper does so by investigating disaster preparedness using disaggregated information about APIDA. The study utilises nationally representative data from the 2017 American Housing Survey, analysing sociodemographic covariates. The disaster preparedness score among APIDA communities was approximately 4.81 on a zero to nine scale. APIDA renters and non-US citizens were less prepared than homeowners and US citizens. Among subgroups, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese respondents who were non-US citizens were less prepared than those who were US citizens. Marital status was significantly and positively associated with preparedness among Indians, Japanese, Vietnamese, and multiracial respondents. The findings underscore the importance of data disaggregation and tailored preparedness information and resources to address specific challenges APIDA communities face instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.

Disaster management competence, disaster preparedness belief, and disaster preparedness relationship: Nurses after the 2023 Turkey earthquake.

AIM: To examine the relationship between nurses' competency levels in disaster nursing management, their disaster preparedness and disaster preparedness beliefs. BACKGROUND: Nurses' competency in disaster nursing management makes disaster response easier. Factors that may affect this reason should be examined. METHODS: The study was conducted between April and July 2023 with nurses working in a province in the first-degree earthquake zone in Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 207 nurses who were selected from primary, secondary, and tertiary care institutions by using the stratified sampling method. Data were collected with a personal information form, the Competencies for Disaster Nursing Management Questionnaire, the Disaster Preparedness Scale, and the General Disaster Preparedness Beliefs Scale. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman regression coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between nurses' competency levels regarding duties and responsibilities and their disaster preparedness levels. Having disaster-related training also positively affected the level of competence in duties and responsibilities. Belief in disaster preparedness and having "partial" knowledge about the disaster had no relationship with competencies. DISCUSSION: According to the International Council of Nurses and current studies on disaster nursing, "competence areas" are among the priority study subjects. CONCLUSION: According to the study results, disaster preparedness and having disaster-related education are effective factors in nurses' competencies related to duties and responsibilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: The results of this study may increase awareness in the healthcare system about nurses' disaster management competency levels and the factors that may affect this. It is recommended that disaster preparedness and disaster-related education factors should be taken into account in the initiatives and policies to be planned to improve the duty and responsibility competence of nurses.