Improving nurses’ competencies in disaster risk management in a specialized trauma hospital in Iran: Outcome of an online training program

Abstract Background Nurses’ incompetency in disaster risk management can have many negative consequences during disasters, so it is important to prepare nurses and improve their competencies in disaster risk management. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an online training program on nurses' competencies disaster risk management. Method This interventional study was conducted on nurses working in a specialized trauma hospital affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran in 2022. Eighty-one nurses were randomly assigned into two interventions (n = 42) and control groups (n = 39). The intervention group received an online training program in four sessions, and both groups electronically completed the demographic questionnaire and the nurses’ perceptions of disaster core competencies scale (NPDCC) before and one month after the intervention. Results The study results showed no significant difference in disaster competency scores between the two groups before the intervention (p < 0.51), but the NPDCC score in the intervention group was statistically significant after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.02) and no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.16). Conclusion The study results indicated that the online training program improved nurses’ competencies in the intervention group, so we suggest continuous practical exercises and maneuvers in addition to online training to improve their competencies in disaster risk management.