Khan S, Kausar S, Ghani M.
Knowledge Of Disaster Preparedness Among Nurses At Two Tertiary Care Hospital In Lahore.
Biomedica Jan ;33(1):29-38.

Background and Objective: Increasingly happening disasters around the globe are one of the major threats to human health and life. Nurses being largest group in the healthcare team, play a vital role in disaster preparedness and response. Nurses must be equipped with proper knowledge and skills in order to prepare them for their effective role during large-scale disasters and mass casualty events. This study was designed to explore the disaster preparedness knowledge among nurses at two tertiary care hospitals in Lahore and to assess nurses’ education and training needs in preparation for disasters. Methodology: A descriptive survey approach was adopted; using a questionnaire distributed to a convenient sample of 200 registered nurses working in two tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. Results: The research findings demonstrated that 48 percent of nurses had inadequate knowledge, 42 percent of them had moderately adequate knowledge and only ten percent of them had adequate knowledge on disaster preparedness. Statistically significant differences in the knowledge scores were observed based on the respondents’ level of professional education. The Four Year BScN graduates scored significantly better than diploma and Post-RNBScN graduates. Majority (91%) of nurses acknowledged that they were inadequately prepared for disasters but were aware of the need for such preparation. Disaster training and education was considered extremely important by 73% of nurses. They recognized that disaster specific courses (69%) and disaster drills (44%) are useful tools for disaster preparedness. Conclusion: Nurses in two tertiary care hospitals in Lahore have inadequate knowledge regarding disaster preparedness and are inadequately prepared for disasters but are aware of the need for such preparation. Nurses in Pakistan, should be provided with knowledge and skills necessary to improve their ability to perform effectively in the event of a disaster.

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