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Effect of Emergency Evacuation Training on Disaster Preparedness among Nurses Working in a Military Hospital: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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Fatemeh Sayani1   , Somayeh Azarmi *1 , Amir Hosein Pishgooie2 , Simintaj Sharififar3 |
1- Military Nursing Department, Nursing School, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Medical-Surgical Department, Nursing School, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Department, Nursing School, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (26 Views) |
Introduction: Enhancing nurses’ preparedness is one of the most important factors in improving disaster management, particularly during structural emergencies and facility-related incidents. In this regard, emergency evacuation training and drills can serve as essential educational and practical components for strengthening disaster readiness among healthcare personnel.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of emergency evacuation training on the disaster preparedness of nurses working in a military hospital.
Material and Methods: This two-group randomized controlled trial was conducted among 48 nurses employed at a military hospital. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group participated in an emergency evacuation workshop followed by an operational evacuation drill, whereas no intervention was provided to the control group. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the Disaster Preparedness Questionnaire, which was completed at three time points: baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month later. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 and appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding demographic characteristics (P>0.05). Based on the independent-samples t-Test, before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between the control and intervention groups in mean scores of knowledge (13.50±4.17 vs. 13.37±4.83), attitude (47.91±6.15 vs. 46.04±5.93), and performance (13.04±3.91 vs. 12.37±4.60) (P=0.228). Immediately after the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores in knowledge (24.16±2.18 vs. 13.66±3.03), attitude (55.83±8.10 vs. 47.62±5.85), and performance (19.20±2.60 vs. 13.45±4.21) compared with the control group (P<0.001). These significant differences remained at the one-month follow-up assessment, with higher knowledge (23.04±1.94 vs. 13.33±3.14), attitude (56.12±8.23 vs. 48.04±5.71), and performance (18.87±2.52 vs. 13.33±4.23) scores in the intervention group compared with the control group (P<0.001). The intervention demonstrated a large effect size both immediately after training (EF=2.872) and at follow-up (EF=1.951).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that emergency evacuation training combined with practical drills significantly improves nurses’ disaster preparedness, including their knowledge, attitudes, and performance. Therefore, integrating simulation-based evacuation exercises and educational workshops into disaster preparedness programs is recommended to enhance nurses’ readiness for emergencies and disasters.
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| Keywords: Emergency Evacuation, Nurses, Operational Exercise, Preparedness |
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Full-Text [PDF 661 kb]
(17 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health in disasters and emergencies
Received: 2025/07/17 | Revised: 2025/08/13 | Accepted: 2025/08/13 | Published: 2026/03/30
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