Evidence map›Paper›PMID 38773494›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2024

Exploring disaster preparedness in an obstetric unit in a district hospital in the Western Cape Province.

Carla Horn, Nokwanda Edith Bam, Molekodi Jacob Matsipane

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Carla HornNuMIQ Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa. carlahorn9703@gmail.com.
Nokwanda Edith BamNuMIQ Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mahikeng, South Africa.
Molekodi Jacob MatsipaneNuMIQ Focus Area, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Mahikeng Campus, Mahikeng, South Africa.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundResearch on disaster preparedness in public hospitals is limited, and specialised units such as obstetric departments need to be even more prepared when rendering health care to vulnerable populations. Disasters can be natural, such as floods due to human interventions, sinkholes due to mining, or pandemic occurrences, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Research on disaster preparedness is limited, and even more so in specialised units such as obstetrics and evacuating a ward of maternal and neonatal patients present unique challenges. Being prepared for any disaster is the only assurance of effective patient healthcare during a disaster. This study explored and described nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding preparedness for a disaster in an obstetric unit in a public institution. The study aimed to make recommendations to improve disaster preparedness in an obstetric ward based on the nurses' knowledge and attitudes.

methodsThis study utilised an exploratory, descriptive qualitative design within a contextual approach. The data were acquired through individual interviews that were done using a semi-structured interview schedule. An observational walkabout was performed with the unit manager to validate interviewee responses. The study employed purposive sampling with a sample size of 17 nurses (N = 32, n = 17) and a response rate of 53%. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and later, the data underwent analysis using theme analysis and a co-coder.

resultsThe results indicate that the participants demonstrate an awareness of disaster terminology but need more assertiveness in executing the institutional disaster policy. The results illustrate that more frequent training, disaster rehearsals, and simulations should be implemented to improve disaster readiness. Strategies are recommended to enhance preparedness for a disaster in the obstetric unit.

conclusionThe study findings recommend more education and training opportunities that should be regularly instilled as a practice within the obstetric ward. More disaster drills and simulation exercises should be performed to ensure confidence in disaster preparedness. Obstetric staff of all levels should be involved with policymaking and disaster plan development.

Indexed as

Disaster PlanningHospitals, DistrictAdultAttitude of Health PersonnelCOVID-19FemaleHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansNursing Staff, HospitalObstetrics and Gynecology Department, HospitalPregnancyQualitative ResearchSARS-CoV-2DisasterEmergencyMaternalMidwivesNeonatalNursesObstetricPandemicPreparednessPublicResponse

Identifiers

PMID38773494
PMCPMC11110375

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.