2022 Volume 42 Pages 908-917
Purpose: This study examined the current status of disaster preparedness at perinatal medical care facilities across Japan and supporting factors.
Method: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered to the nursing supervisors of 2,909 facilities (hospitals, clinics, and birthing centers) that were on the list of birthing facilities participating in the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy operated by the Japan Council for Quality Health Care. Mainly investigated disaster management in facilities and disaster education for perinatal women. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed.
Results: Seven hundred and ninety-five participants provided valid responses to the questionnaire. The mean number of disaster management-related items that were in place was 9.3 (0–22). The implementation rates of the items “Facility and Preparedness” and “Documentation” were high whereas those of the items “Training,” “Human Resources,” and “Regional Alliance” were low. Regarding disaster education for perinatal women, the mean number of items in place was 2.5 (0–18). Only about 30% of the facilities had implemented such education. Factors that promoted disaster preparedness included “The facility is a disaster base hospital,” “The facility previously dispatched nurses to disaster areas,” “The facility is well aware of natural disaster risks,” “Nursing supervisors have been trained to provide nursing care during a disaster,” and “Nursing supervisors are well aware of the post-disaster care needs of perinatal women.”
Conclusion: It is necessary to develop strategies for establishing a perinatal medical care system, implementing training to improve disaster management competency, strengthening disaster education, and enhancing awareness of disaster education among perinatal women.
