In an era marked by increasing natural disasters and pandemics, the field of disaster nursing has emerged as a crucial component of public health resilience. A recent scoping review conducted by Khorram-Manesh and Mani, titled “Navigating the chaos: a scoping review of gaps in disaster nursing and a roadmap for the future,” sheds light on essential shortcomings in the discipline that need to be addressed. This groundbreaking analysis, published in BMC Nursing, serves as a pivotal roadmap for the future direction of disaster nursing, a domain that continues to evolve under the pressures of global change.
Disaster nursing encompasses a broad range of activities, including planning, prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in the face of emergencies. The review highlights that while many nurses are trained for critical tasks within hospitals, their preparedness for disaster response is often insufficient. The authors emphasize the need for improved education and training tailored specifically towards disaster scenarios, which have unique challenges compared to day-to-day nursing work. This lack of targeted training can lead to inefficiencies and complications during critical moments, where prompt and effective interventions can save lives.
The escalation in frequency and severity of disasters, whether natural or man-made, calls for a reevaluation of nursing curricula. Khorram-Manesh and Mani argue for a curriculum overhaul that integrates disaster management principles into nursing education. Traditional nursing programs often focus heavily on clinical skills that might not directly apply during a disaster. By incorporating training that emphasizes adaptability, triage, and emergency response protocols, nursing graduates will be better equipped to handle the unexpected challenges posed by disasters.
However, the researchers note that it is not only educational pathways that require reform; there is also a pressing need for systematic change within healthcare infrastructures. The current healthcare systems are often not designed to function optimally during crises. A robust disaster response framework requires interdisciplinary collaboration and pre-established protocols that facilitate quick and effective mobilization of nursing resources. Without such systems in place, the efficacy of nursing interventions during disasters can be severely compromised.
Another significant point raised in this review is the potential underutilization of technology in disaster nursing. Advances in telemedicine and mobile health technologies have transformed healthcare delivery, yet their application in disaster contexts remains limited. The authors highlight the importance of embracing innovative technologies that can aid in communication, data collection, and patient management during emergencies. By leveraging technology, nurses can enhance their response capabilities, ensure more effective triage, and access vital information in real-time.
Moreover, communication is spotlighted as a critical element of disaster nursing. Effective communication channels must be established not just within healthcare teams, but also between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. A common understanding of roles and responsibilities can enhance coordination and reduce misunderstandings during emergencies. Elevated levels of trust between nursing professionals and the community can lead to better adherence to health directives, ultimately improving patient outcomes during crises.
The paper also touches upon the psychological toll that disasters exert on healthcare workers. The authors call for increased attention to mental health support for nurses who frequently face traumatic experiences while providing care in chaotic environments. Long-term exposure to high-stress situations can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction, which in turn, affects the overall quality of care provided to patients. Addressing mental health needs through institutional support systems is essential for sustaining nursing workforce resilience.
Furthermore, Khorram-Manesh and Mani provide a holistic view of community involvement in disaster preparedness and recovery. They argue that public health initiatives must include not only health professionals but also engage local communities in the planning processes. Community resilience is paramount; if residents are informed and prepared, the burden during a disaster can be significantly alleviated. This collective approach fosters a culture of preparedness that extends beyond health systems to include social networks and community organizations.
Equally, the review identifies the significance of research in disaster nursing. It emphasizes the need for more empirical studies focused specifically on the experiences and challenges faced by nurses during disasters. Establishing a solid evidence base will not only enhance the quality of training programs but will also lead to the development of best practices that can be shared across disciplines and regions. Nursing as a profession must invest in research that illuminates the nuances of disaster response, thus paving the way for continuous improvement.
Ultimately, the authors conclude that bridging the gaps in disaster nursing is not a choice but an urgent necessity. The establishment of comprehensive strategies, grounded in research and collaboration, can effectively prepare nursing professionals to navigate the complexities of disaster scenarios. By addressing the educational, technological, systemic, psychological, and community dimensions of disaster nursing, it is possible to foster a more competent, resilient, and effective nursing workforce.
As the global landscape continues to evolve with pressing environmental and societal challenges, the call to action from Khorram-Manesh and Mani serves as an essential reminder of the pivotal role nurses play not just in normal circumstances, but in moments of crisis too. The road ahead may be daunting, but the authors believe that with scholarly attention and public support, progress can be made in transforming disaster nursing.
The synthesis of the findings from this scoping review provides a clear framework for future endeavors in disaster nursing research, education, and practice. The momentum generated by such work can inspire a paradigm shift in how nursing is perceived, particularly in disaster contexts, paving the way for a future where caregivers are not only prepared but equipped to excel even in the most challenging circumstances.
In summary, Khorram-Manesh and Mani’s review acts as both a challenge and a guide. It lays the groundwork for critical discussions around disaster nursing and emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that can ultimately save lives. This roadmap is designed not just for the nursing community but also for policymakers and educators who have the power to reshape the future of disaster nursing, ensuring that the profession evolves in response to the demands of our changing world.
Subject of Research: Disaster nursing and gaps in current training and practice.
Article Title: Navigating the chaos: a scoping review of gaps in disaster nursing and a roadmap for the future.
Article References:
Khorram-Manesh, A., Mani, Z. Navigating the chaos: a scoping review of gaps in disaster nursing and a roadmap for the future.
BMC Nurs 24, 1396 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04088-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04088-4
Keywords: disaster nursing, education, preparedness, mental health, community engagement, technology in nursing, healthcare systems, research in nursing.
Tags: challenges in disaster nursingdisaster nursing educationevolving role of nurses in emergenciesfuture of disaster nursinggaps in disaster nursing practiceimproving disaster response trainingnursing preparedness for emergenciesnursing response to natural disasterspublic health and disaster managementpublic health resilience in nursingscoping review on disaster nursingtraining for disaster response
