Knowledge of Nurses in Hospital Preparedness in Emergency Response in Saudi Arabia: Basis for Staff Program Development

Abstract

Objective: The study assessed the level of knowledge of nurses in hospital emergency response based on WHO standard and determine what staff program development may propose to enhance the knowledge of nurses in hospital emergency response. Methods: The study utilized quantitative type of research and used the descriptive evaluative design. Results: Results of the study revealed that respondents are knowledgeable in 2 categories of hospital preparedness in emergency response, the safety and security (WM=2.5443, SD=.13295)) during MCI and the human resource during MCI (WM=2.9266, SD= .13901). Conclusion: With the findings of the study the respondents need to have more training related to hospital preparedness in emergency response. The training should focus on incident command system, communication, triage during MCI, surge capacity during MCI, continuity of essential service, logistics and supply and post disaster recovery. The training should situate the Health Emergency Response Recovery Plan (HERRP) and policy of hospital, covering all-hazard approach based on their risk assessment.