Preparedness of Emergency Room Nurses for Bioterrorism Based on the Health Belief Model: A Multicenter Qualitative Study

Aim

To explore emergency room nurses’ perceptions of preparedness for bioterrorism.

Introduction

In the context of evolving global security threats, including wars, terrorism, and emerging infectious diseases, it is critical to evaluate the bioterrorism response competencies of emergency room nurses and identify strategies to enhance their preparedness.

Methods

Qualitative data were gathered through focus group interviews with 13 emergency room nurses employed at six regional emergency centers across the country. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, and findings were reported in accordance with the COREQ guidelines.

Results

Analysis of 537 meaningful statements yielded 38 codes, which were organized into two themes and eight subthemes. The first theme, barriers to bioterrorism preparedness, included subthemes such as “insufficient knowledge and experience related to bioterrorism” and “contrasting thoughts on the possibility of bioterrorism occurring in South Korea.” The second theme, facilitators to bioterrorism preparedness, encompassed subthemes such as “programs to improve one's competencies in dealing with bioterrorism” and “unavoidable sense of responsibility as a nurse.”

Conclusion

Despite a lack of established guidelines, knowledge, training, and response systems specific to bioterrorism, emergency room nurses demonstrate a strong sense of professional duty to provide care even in the event of a bioterrorist attack.

Implications for Nursing and Health Policy

To strengthen bioterrorism preparedness, there is an urgent need to develop human resources, enhance infrastructure, and implement targeted education and training programs for healthcare professionals. Education and training are essential to enhance the competency of emergency room nurses in responding effectively to bioterrorism at all times. The inadequate bioterrorism response systems in emergency centers and the low competency levels of nurses highlight the need for policies aimed at improving bioterrorism response capabilities within the national emergency medical system.