Assessing the frontline competency gap: Emergency care perceptions among nurses in Yemen's conflict zone.

Abstract

Background: Nursing competencies in armed conflict situations are critical for effective response and recovery. This study explores nurses' perceptions regarding their competencies in armed conflict zones to identify areas of proficiency and those requiring further emphasis in training.

Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines. It used a validated questionnaire examining 47 different competencies for nursing in armed conflict zones, which were subsequently ranked to identify those that were valued most and least.

Results: In total, 102 questionnaires were returned (85% response rate). The highest-ranked competencies focused on immediate life-saving interventions and personal safety. In contrast, competencies involving broader disaster management, such as understanding organizational disaster plans, post-death care, and risk identification, ranked lower. This observation may indicate a tendency to prioritize direct clinical care over strategic planning and long-term recovery in disaster nursing education.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy: This study highlights the critical need to strengthen emergency care competencies among nurses working in armed conflict zones in Yemen. Its findings underscore the importance of targeted training programs, particularly in complex trauma management and psychological first aid, to address nurses' self-identified competency gaps. Policy implications include prioritizing resource allocation for emergency care infrastructure, implementing competency-based deployment strategies, and ensuring access to mental health support for nurses in working conflict zones. These actions are essential for building a resilient nursing workforce capable of providing quality care amidst the unique challenges of armed conflict.