Knowledge and practice of nursing students regarding bioterrorism and emergency preparedness: comparison of the effects of simulations and workshop

Abstract

Background and purpose Bioterrorism is a global threat. Nurses are one of the first groups that should be ready for it. College years are the best time to educate these issues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of simulation and workshop on knowledge and practice of nursing students regarding bioterrorism. Materials and methods This was an experimental study. The study sample consisted of 40 last-year nursing students who were randomly assigned to two groups by using random numbers table. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire, bioterrorism knowledge scale, and an OSCE checklist. Before the intervention, the students completed the study questionnaires and a six-station OSCE test. The workshop group (20 students) learned how to deal with bioterrorism through lectures. The simulation group (20 students) participated in a simulation learning program. After one month, the students completed the study tools again. Finally, collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS V.16. Results The difference between the knowledge and performance scores of both groups (workshop and simulation), before and after the intervention, was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Students in both groups had higher knowledge and performance scores after the intervention. The simulation group scores were higher than the workshop group scores in the knowledge and the most of performance domains. Conclusion The simulation group had better results in terms of enhancing knowledge, preparedness, disaster triage, reporting, incident management, communication, mental disorders, and isolation domains compared to the workshop group.

Bioterrorism-Related Training Programs for Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review

“…In the study by Tobin et al (2020) and Huyar and Esin (2023), all domains were determined to have a low risk of bias, and the final overall risk of bias was also assessed as low. In the study by Ghahremani et al (2022), four domains were evaluated as low risk and ''randomization process'' domain was assessed as having some concerns. While there was a significant baseline difference between the two groups in the pre-test, statistical adjustment for this was not accomplished.…”

Preparedness training programs improved the emergency response and crucial outcomes among nursing students: a scoping review

“…Eight studies were RCTs to examine the program's effectiveness on health outcomes. 2,6,[12][13][14][15][16][17] Other 15 studies also were conducted using quasi-experiment. 3,5,8,12,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] Two studies used the cross-sectional study as a research design.…”

“…Seven of 28 studies provided disaster preparedness training programs to nursing students. 2,12,17,18,23,24,33 The average training duration is 1 month.…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with bioterrorism preparedness in healthcare workers: a systematic review

“…Knowledge of bioterrorism can increase the level of response and confidence of health workers (51). This study showed that researchers currently focus on hospital professionals but should also focus on collaboration with first responders from other institutions (52).…”

“…(30). It has also been reported that scenario-based simulations are more effective in enhancing knowledge, preparedness, disaster management, communication, and other areas than traditional education methods such as workshops (51).…”