JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In recent years, the frequent outbreaks of infectious diseases and insufficient emergency response capabilities, particularly issues exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, have underscored the critical role of nurses in addressing public health crises. It is currently necessary to investigate the emergency preparedness of nursing personnel following the COVID-19 pandemic completely liberalized, aiming to identify weaknesses and optimize response strategies.

Objective:

To assess the emergency response competence of nurses, identify their specific training needs, and explore the various elements that impact their emergency response competence.

Methods:

A convenient cluster sampling method was employed to conduct a cross-sectional survey of nurses from different departments, specialties, and age groups in hospitals across five provinces in China. Two tertiary hospitals, four secondary hospitals, and ten primary hospitals were randomly selected in each province. Nurses from eighty hospitals (ten tertiary, twenty secondary, fifty primary) anonymously completed the Infectious Disease Emergency Response Competence Questionnaire.

Results:

This study involved 2055 participants representing various healthcare institutions. The nurses' scores on infectious disease emergency response competence were 141.75 ± 20.09, indicating a moderate to above-average level. Nearly one-fifth of the nurses had emergency experience but reported insufficient drill and training, with 91.19% expressing willingness to undergo further training. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that significant factors affecting infectious disease emergency response competence included highest degree, frequency of drills and training, and the willingness to undertake further training (B = -11.455, 7.344, 11.639, 14.432, 10.255, 7.364, -11.216, all P<0.05). Notably, a higher frequency of participation in drills and training sessions correlated with better outcomes(P<0.001 or P<0.05). Nurses holding a Master's degree or higher demonstrated significantly lower competence scores in responding to infectious diseases compared to nurses with a Diploma/Associate degree (P<0.01). About 80% of the nurses preferred training lasting from three days to one week, with scenario simulations and emergency drills considered the most popular training methods.

Conclusions:

These findings highlight the potential and need for nurses in infectious disease emergency response competence. Frequent drills and training will significantly enhance response competence,however, a lack of practical experience in higher education may have a negative impact on emergency performance. The study emphasizes the critical need for personalized training to boost nurses’ abilities, especially through short-term, intensive methods and simulations drills. Further training and tailored plans are essential to improve nurses’ overall proficiency and ensure effective response to infectious disease emergencies. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable.