An Appraisal of Nurses' Preparedness for Handling Mass Casualty Incidents at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri
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Background of the Study
Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) are large-scale events that overwhelm healthcare systems and require a coordinated response to manage the influx of victims. These events can result from natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or industrial accidents, and they present unique challenges for healthcare providers. Nurses, as front-line healthcare workers, play a critical role in responding to MCIs by providing immediate care, triaging patients, and ensuring the effective allocation of resources (Smith et al., 2023). Their preparedness for such incidents is essential to mitigating mortality and morbidity during these high-pressure situations.
In Nigeria, while healthcare institutions like Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, are often at the forefront of responding to emergency situations, there is limited research on the preparedness of nurses in handling mass casualty incidents. Preparedness in this context refers to the knowledge, skills, and training that nurses possess to effectively respond to MCIs, as well as the presence of systems and protocols in place to guide their actions. Studies have shown that hospitals with well-prepared nursing staff can significantly improve patient outcomes in MCIs, reducing the risks of mismanagement and delays (Olayemi et al., 2023).
Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, located in Imo State, Nigeria, is a tertiary healthcare facility that provides specialized medical services to a large population. Given the unpredictable nature of mass casualty events, the ability of the nursing staff to respond appropriately is vital for the institution's capacity to manage such crises effectively. This study aims to appraise the preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for handling mass casualty incidents, focusing on their training, protocols, and response capacity.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the critical importance of nurses in handling mass casualty incidents, there is little information on their level of preparedness at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri. A lack of preparedness can lead to ineffective responses during emergencies, potentially resulting in poor patient outcomes, increased mortality, and organizational inefficiencies. This study seeks to explore the preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, and identify gaps in training, protocols, and resources that may hinder an effective response to mass casualty incidents.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for handling mass casualty incidents.
- To evaluate the training programs available to nurses on mass casualty incident management at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.
- To identify the challenges faced by nurses in managing mass casualty incidents and suggest solutions to improve preparedness.
Research Questions
- What is the level of preparedness of nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for handling mass casualty incidents?
- How effective are the training programs available to nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, in preparing them to manage mass casualty incidents?
- What challenges do nurses face in managing mass casualty incidents at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, who have received formal training on mass casualty incident management are more prepared to respond effectively to such events than those without training.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses' preparedness and the quality of care provided during mass casualty incidents.
- Nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, face significant challenges in managing mass casualty incidents due to inadequate training and resources.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in emergency departments and trauma units at Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, as these areas are most likely to be involved in mass casualty incidents. The study will not include nurses from other hospital departments, limiting the scope to those directly involved in emergency responses.
A limitation of the study is the potential bias in self-reported data, as nurses may overstate their preparedness. Additionally, the findings may not be generalizable to other hospitals with different resource settings.
Definitions of Terms
- Mass casualty incidents (MCIs): Events that result in a large number of casualties overwhelming the normal medical capacity of healthcare institutions, such as natural disasters, accidents, or terrorist attacks.
- Preparedness: The readiness of nurses to respond to mass casualty incidents, which includes their knowledge, skills, training, and available resources.
- Training programs: Educational interventions aimed at equipping nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle mass casualty incidents effectively.
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