Practices and challenges of disaster nursing for Japanese nurses sent to Nepal following the 2015 earthquake

Abstract

Aim: This study describes the practices and challenges of disaster nursing experienced by Japanese nurses who were sent to Nepal soon after the 2015 earthquake.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 nurses (eight women), with a mean age of 38.6 years (SD 7.3 years). The interview content was analyzed qualitatively and descriptively using content analysis.

Results: Disaster nursing in Nepal included special content due to differences in the disaster sites, environment, and languages. The targets for nursing practices were victims, team members, local medical institutions and support groups, and the local staff in Nepal. Nurses experienced challenges in providing appropriate care related to the local background, communicating with local patients and staff from other countries, and collaborating as a team. Nurses lacked information about local infections; the knowledge level and educational background of local midwives and nurses; the literacy rate; and social characteristics including the caste system, culture, and rules related to health care. Participants also experienced challenges using certain materials due to the high temperature and humid climate (e.g., wound dressings); however, they developed suitable substitutes. Some nurses had difficulty using Fahrenheit thermometers, as they were unfamiliar with the measurement system. Further, the management of heat stroke, infection, and food allergies was necessary.

Conclusions: Major challenges for the Japanese nurses were the shortage of knowledge and skills related to the local background, communication, and team collaboration. These skills should be emphasized in training before deployment, and in basic disaster nursing education.