Knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses regarding disaster management: A Study from Peshawar KPK

Abstract

Background: Disasters are unforeseeable events that destroy lives and affect people, ruins possessions and disturb environment. Nurses play a vital role in dealing with the victims of such events and it is essential for nurses to be prepared in facing the consequences of disasters. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of nurses in different department like emergency, trauma care intensive cares (cardio vascular, cardiothoracic and neurosurgery departments) regarding disaster preparedness. Methods: Quantitative (descriptive study) among staff and student nurses of tertiary care hospitals (LRH, KTH and HMC) in Peshawar. Sample size was 90 through questionnaires. And collecting in 3 months from 15th Sep (2014) to 30th Dec (2014). Results: The main points developed during the presentations and discussions included: (1) the need for evidence-based assessments and planning, (2) the need for a shift in focus to health-sector readiness, (3) empowerment of survivors, (4) provision of relief for the caregivers, (5) address the incentives and disincentives to attain readiness, (6) engage in joint preparation, response, and training, (7) focus on prevention and mitigation of the damage from events, and (8) improve media relations. There exists a need for institutionalization of processes for learning from experiences obtained from disasters. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to proactively establish coordination and management procedures in advance of any crisis. A number of important insights for improvement in coordination and management during disasters emerged.