Presenter(s)
Helen Prow
Abstract
Disasters can negatively impact healthcare systems worldwide, with increased impacts on resource-limited communities. Nurses and other healthcare workers are often on the frontlines of disaster response; evidence shows that many healthcare workers worldwide are not adequately prepared to respond effectively. The purpose of this honors project is to analyze factors and interventions that influence healthcare workers, specifically nurses, in disaster preparedness in resource-limited settings globally. A review of peer-reviewed literature published within the past ten years was conducted using systems such as CINAHL, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Open Evidence. Articles were selected based on relevance to disaster preparedness among healthcare workers in resource-limited settings. This project also included a community assessment of healthcare workers in Honolulu County using targeted questions informed by issues found in the literature review. This county was chosen due to its risks for disaster and its unique geographical barriers that restrict patients from receiving care. The assessment evaluated participants' knowledge of disaster roles, institutional policies, available resources, and disaster-related education and training. The literature identified two major themes influencing disaster preparedness: education and resource availability. Educational interventions included structured training programs, simulations, and disaster management courses, which were consistently associated with improved knowledge, confidence, and disaster preparedness. Resource-related factors, such as access to infrastructure, equipment, disaster plans, and organizational support, were strongly linked to preparedness. Systemic barriers were also identified, including limited funding, lack of role clarity, and insufficient governmental support. Based on the literature review and community assessment, an evidence-based educational poster will present key factors that promote disaster preparedness and offer recommendations for healthcare workers and institutions in resource-limited settings. This project aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and support healthcare workers in the event of a disaster.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Samantha Brown
Second Advisor/Mentor
Susan Zeller
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
66
Disaster Preparedness in Healthcare Workers
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Disasters can negatively impact healthcare systems worldwide, with increased impacts on resource-limited communities. Nurses and other healthcare workers are often on the frontlines of disaster response; evidence shows that many healthcare workers worldwide are not adequately prepared to respond effectively. The purpose of this honors project is to analyze factors and interventions that influence healthcare workers, specifically nurses, in disaster preparedness in resource-limited settings globally. A review of peer-reviewed literature published within the past ten years was conducted using systems such as CINAHL, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Open Evidence. Articles were selected based on relevance to disaster preparedness among healthcare workers in resource-limited settings. This project also included a community assessment of healthcare workers in Honolulu County using targeted questions informed by issues found in the literature review. This county was chosen due to its risks for disaster and its unique geographical barriers that restrict patients from receiving care. The assessment evaluated participants' knowledge of disaster roles, institutional policies, available resources, and disaster-related education and training. The literature identified two major themes influencing disaster preparedness: education and resource availability. Educational interventions included structured training programs, simulations, and disaster management courses, which were consistently associated with improved knowledge, confidence, and disaster preparedness. Resource-related factors, such as access to infrastructure, equipment, disaster plans, and organizational support, were strongly linked to preparedness. Systemic barriers were also identified, including limited funding, lack of role clarity, and insufficient governmental support. Based on the literature review and community assessment, an evidence-based educational poster will present key factors that promote disaster preparedness and offer recommendations for healthcare workers and institutions in resource-limited settings. This project aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and support healthcare workers in the event of a disaster.
Comments
Prow, Helen