Abstract
Background
Patient education is a professional obligation for all nurses. Public health messaging
in emergency departments during disasters can help prevent further risk or illness
for affected communities. In this study, Australian emergency nurse Key Informants
share their perceptions and experiences of preventative messaging provided in their
departments during disasters and the governance and processes in place to support
this practice.
Methods
The qualitative phase of a mixed methods study, where semi structured interviews were
utilised, and data analysed using a six step Thematic analysis.
Results
Three themes were identified: (1) Part of the Job; (2) It’s all in the delivery; and
(3) Preparation is the key. These themes include concepts involving the confidence
and competence of nurses providing messages, what, when and how messages are being
given and how prepared both the department and staff are regarding patient education
during disaster events.
Conclusions
Nurse confidence is a key factor in the delivery of preventative messages during disasters,
potentially resulting from a lack of exposure, a junior workforce and minimal training.
Leaders agree that departments are not preparing or supporting messaging practice,
with an absence of specific training, formal guidelines, and patient education resources;
and that improvement is needed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 03, 2023
Accepted:
February 21,
2023
Received in revised form:
February 16,
2023
Received:
December 4,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 College of Emergency Nursing Australasia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
