The effect of disaster preparedness training programs on nurses’ readiness and competence: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials


ÖZDEN G.

Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.teln.2025.12.011
  • Dergi Adı: Teaching and Learning in Nursing
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Attitudes, Competency, Disaster Planning, Nursing Education, Psychological Resilience
  • İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of disaster education programs in improving nurses’ disaster preparedness and competencies by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Design: A systematic literature review of RCTs examining disaster education interventions for nurses and nursing students. Data Sources: The Cochrane library, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science were the databases searched to obtain RCTs published in English. Review Methods: Studies were screened according to PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen RCTs met inclusion criteria and were appraised using the JBI-MAStARI tool. Data were extracted on intervention type, duration, outcomes, and effect sizes. Results: Across 1484 participants in 15 RCTs, disaster education programs consistently improved nurses’ knowledge, skills, and psychological preparedness. Simulation, virtual reality, and other technology-enhanced methods produced the strongest gains, while both short-term and longer multimodal programs were effective overall. Conclusions: Disaster education programs significantly enhance nurses’ preparedness and competence, with technology-enhanced and psychologically focused interventions yielding the most substantial gains. Findings support integrating comprehensive, evidence-based disaster training into nursing curricula to strengthen workforce readiness.