Development, implementation and evaluation of a disaster training programme for nurses: a Switching Replications randomized controlled trial

Background: Training efforts in disaster education need to provide updated knowledge, skills and expertise to nurses through evidence-based interventions.

Aim: The purpose of the study was the development, implementation and evaluation of an educational programme for nurses regarding the provision of health care during disasters.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial using Switching Replications design was conducted for the evaluation of the programme. 207 hospital-based nurses were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 112) and original control (n = 95) groups. Changes between groups and over time were measured by questionnaire and used as the outcome measure to demonstrate effectiveness of the training intervention.

Results: The intervention improved nurses' knowledge and self-confidence levels while no significant changes were detected in behavioral intentions. A significant increase in the mean knowledge score was observed in both groups in times 2 and 3 compared to time 1 [pre-test: 6.43 (2.8); post-test: 16.49 (1.7); follow-up test: 13.5 (2.8)], (P < 0.002). Changes in knowledge between intervention and control group were significantly different (P < 0.001) with a large effect size (eta-squared = 0.8).

Conclusions: The training programme was feasible and effective in improving nurses' knowledge concerning disaster response.