The actions of the head nurse for ward management in the acute phase of disaster in the event of a great earthquake

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to obtain concrete suggestions for the development of a head nurse's action manual for ward management in the acute phase of disaster in the event of a great earthquake.

Methods: The participants were 20 head nurses who worked at disaster base hospitals in the disaster area during the Great East Japan Earthquake and The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and had experience in operating wards during the acute phase of disaster. Semi-structured interview methods were used to collect data, which were analyzed qualitatively and inductively.

Results: As the actions of the head nurse who was responsible for the management of the ward during the acute phase of disaster in the event of a great earthquake, [Ensuring safety to protect lives], [Confirmation of survival of related parties], [Collaborating with the Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters], [Providing a place of medical treatment for many victims], [Support for patients, families and staff who are anxious due to the disaster], [Creating a provisional work system], and [Physical and mental health management of nurses] were identified. [Ensuring safety to protect lives] in the acute phase of disaster when a great earthquake occurs is understood from the two perspectives of avoiding danger immediately after a violent shaking and responding to changes in the situation as aftershocks continue. The importance of [Physical and mental health management of nurses] was shown in order to manage the ward by [Creating a provisional work system].