KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF STAFF NURSES ABOUT DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF LAHORE

Abstract

Background:
The increasing frequency of natural and man-made disasters has intensified the need for effective disaster preparedness within healthcare systems, particularly in tertiary care hospitals. In urban centers such as Lahore, where population density and vulnerability to emergencies are high, the Emergency Department (ED) serves as the frontline of disaster response. Staff nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring timely and efficient management during such crises. However, gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to disaster management may compromise response effectiveness. Therefore, assessing these dimensions among nursing staff is essential to strengthen institutional preparedness and improve patient outcomes.

Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of staff nurses regarding disaster management in the Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Additionally, it sought to identify gaps in preparedness and propose recommendations for improving disaster management training and response strategies.

Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. A total of 200 registered nurses were selected using stratified random sampling based on departments and experience levels. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to disaster management. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (t-test and ANOVA) were applied to assess associations between variables. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was ensured.

Results:
The findings revealed that 57% of nurses demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding disaster management concepts, although only 38% were strongly familiar with hospital-specific disaster plans. Female nurses showed slightly higher agreement (52%) on the importance of disaster management compared to males (40%). Nurses with more than three years of experience exhibited better knowledge and attitudes, with 62% showing strong agreement across domains. In terms of practice, participation in disaster drills and familiarity with emergency equipment were relatively high; however, gaps were observed in real patient evacuation experiences and role clarity during disasters. Approximately 54% of participants expressed confidence in communication systems, while coordination and documentation practices showed moderate variability. Additionally, only a limited proportion reported satisfaction with existing training programs, highlighting the need for structured and continuous education.

Conclusion:
The study concludes that while staff nurses possess a foundational understanding and positive attitude towards disaster management, significant gaps remain in institutional knowledge, practical execution, and advanced preparedness. Experience and age were found to influence competency levels, indicating the need for targeted training programs. Strengthening hospital-specific training, improving disaster drills, enhancing communication systems, and integrating continuous feedback mechanisms are essential to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Such interventions are crucial for developing a resilient and efficient emergency response system