ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8909-3191
Current Organisations
University of Technology Sydney
,
Griffith University
,
WHO Collaborating Centre Nursing, Midwifery, Health Development at University of Technology Sydney
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Publications
Emergency nurses and disaster response: An exploration of South Australian emergency nurses' knowledge and perceptions of their roles in disaster response
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2010
Infectious diseases following natural disasters: prevention and control measures.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1586/ERI.11.155
Abstract: Natural disasters may lead to infectious disease outbreaks when they result in substantial population displacement and exacerbate synergic risk factors (change in the environment, in human conditions and in the vulnerability to existing pathogens) for disease transmission. We reviewed risk factors and potential infectious diseases resulting from prolonged secondary effects of major natural disasters that occurred from 2000 to 2011. Natural disasters including floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, tropical cyclones (e.g., hurricanes and typhoons) and tornadoes have been secondarily described with the following infectious diseases including diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, malaria, leptospirosis, measles, dengue fever, viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, meningitis, as well as tetanus and cutaneous mucormycosis. Risk assessment is essential in post-disaster situations and the rapid implementation of control measures through re-establishment and improvement of primary healthcare delivery should be given high priority, especially in the absence of pre-disaster surveillance data.
Nurses’ perceptions of dealing with death in the emergency department
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Disaster content in Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses: A survey
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2013.04.002
Abstract: Emergency nurses play a pivotal role in disaster relief during the response to, and recovery of both in-hospital and out-of-hospital disasters. Postgraduate education is important in preparing and enhancing emergency nurses' preparation for disaster nursing practice. The disaster nursing content of Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses has not been compared across courses and the level of agreement about suitable content is not known. To explore and describe the disaster content in Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses. A retrospective, exploratory and descriptive study of the disaster content of Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses conducted in 2009. Course convenors from 12 universities were invited to participate in a single structured telephone survey. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Ten of the twelve course convenors from Australian tertiary postgraduate emergency nursing courses participated in this study. The content related to disasters was varied, both in terms of the topics covered and duration of disaster content. Seven of these courses included some content relating to disaster health, including types of disasters, hospital response, nurses' roles in disasters and triage. The management of the dead and dying, and practical application of disaster response skills featured in only one course. Three courses had learning objectives specific to disasters. The majority of courses had some disaster content but there were considerable differences in the content chosen for inclusion across courses. The incorporation of core competencies such as those from the International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organisation, may enhance content consistency in curriculum. Additionally, this content could be embedded within a proposed national education framework for disaster health.
Existing approaches to chemical, biological and radiological and nuclear (CBRN) education and training for health professionals: Findings from an integrative literature review.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 19-02-2018
DOI: 10.1017/S1049023X18000043
Abstract: This review was conducted to explore the literature to determine the availability, content, and evaluation of existing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education programs for health professionals. An integrative review of the international literature describing disaster education for CBRN (2004-2016) was conducted. The following relevant databases were searched: Proquest, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Journals @ OVID, Google Scholar, Medline, and Ichuschi ver. 5 (Japanese database for health professionals). The search terms used were: “disaster,” “chemical,” “biological,” “radiological,” “nuclear,” “CBRN,” “health professional education,” and “method.” The following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, “education,” “nursing,” “continuing,” “disasters,” “disaster planning,” and “bioterrorism,” were used wherever possible and appropriate. The retrieved articles were narratively analyzed according to availability, content, and method. The content was thematically analyzed to provide an overview of the core content of the training. The literature search identified 619 potentially relevant articles for this study. Duplicates (n=104) were removed and 87 articles were identified for title review. In total, 67 articles were discarded, yielding 20 articles for all-text review, following 11 studies were retained for analysis, including one Japanese study. All articles published in English were from the USA, apart from the two studies located in Japan and Sweden. The most typical content in the selected literature was CBRN theory (n=11), followed by studies based on incident command (n=8), decontamination (n=7), disaster management (n=7), triage (n=7), personal protective equipment (PPE) use (n = 5), and post-training briefing (n=3). While the CBRN training course requires the participants to gain specific skills and knowledge, proposed training courses should be effectively constructed to include approaches such as scenario-based simulations, depending on the participants’ needs. Kako M , Hammad K , Mitani S , Arbon P . Existing approaches to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) education and training for health professionals: findings from an integrative literature review . Prehosp Disaster Med . 2018 33 ( 2 ): 182 – 190 .
Nursing faculty teaching characteristics as perceived by nursing students: an integrative review
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-05-2020
DOI: 10.1111/SCS.12711
Abstract: Nursing faculty members play a pivotal role in the achievement of nursing students' learning outcomes. A broader understanding of what constitutes effective teaching is essential in order to ensure that effective learning takes place in the clinical area. This review sought to identify the most and least effective nursing faculty characteristics as perceived by nursing students. An integrative review of the literature was undertaken. Studies were sourced from the following electronic databases: PsycINFO, PubMed Central, CINAHL, Medline and Scopus. An electronic search of relevant studies published between 2001 and 2017 was conducted using the following search terms: 'nursing', 'students', 'nurse faculty', 'nurse tutor', 'nurse educator', 'effective', 'clinical education', 'effectiveness', 'clinical instructor', 'nurse instructor', 'teaching behaviour', and 'teaching characteristics'. Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. This review revealed that nursing students value nursing faculty's competence and interpersonal skills over their personality traits. Furthermore, the review highlighted that there exists a lack of studies that examine in idual factors, which may influence nursing students' choice of teaching behaviours. Future studies linking teaching behaviours and nursing student learning outcomes are recommended. Nursing faculty must strive to improve their professional competence and interpersonal skills in order to better provide quality education to nursing students.
Nursing in the emergency department (ED) during a disaster: A review of the current literature
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2012.10.005
Abstract: The aim of this review was to explore the current literature about working as a nurse in the emergency department (ED) during a disaster. Nurses play an important role in caring for patients that present to the ED following a disaster. While there is a great deal of literature written about disasters and disaster response, little has been written from the emergency nursing perspective. Literature was identified through electronic databases from 2000 to 2011. Articles were reviewed if they provided discussion relevant to nursing in the ED during a disaster. 18 articles met the criteria. Five themes emerged from the review. There were two key findings: changes from a 'normal' working day to a disaster and the preparedness of nurses working in the ED during a disaster. The literature highlights concern about the preparedness of ED nurses for disaster response and the capacity of nurses to transition to working in a disaster situation.
Current status of emergency department triage in mainland China: A narrative review of the literature
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-09-2015
DOI: 10.1111/NHS.12159
Abstract: In this review, the current status of emergency department triage in mainland China is explored, with the purpose of generating a deeper understanding of the topic. Literature was identified through electronic databases, and was included for review if published between 2002 and 2012, included significant discussion of daily emergency department triage in mainland China, was peer reviewed, and published in English or Chinese. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes which emerged from the reviewed literature. This resulted in 21 articles included for review. Four themes emerged from the review: triage process, triage training, qualification of triage nurses, and quality of triage. The review demonstrates that there is currently not a unified approach to emergency department triage in mainland China. Additionally, there are limitations in triage training for nurses and confusion around the role of triage nurses. This review highlights that emergency department triage in mainland China is still in its infancy and that more research is needed to further develop the role of triage.
The impact of disasters on emergency department resources: review against the Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Why a disaster is not just normal business ramped up: Disaster response among ED nurses
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2017.10.003
Abstract: The emergency department (ED) is a familiar place for the emergency nurse who spends their working days inside it. A disaster threatens that familiarity and creates changes that make working in the ED during a disaster response different from the everyday experience of working in the ED. This research reports on an aspect of the findings from a larger study about the experience of working as a nurse in the ED during a disaster response. Thirteen nurses from 8 different countries were interviewed about their experience. The findings from this research demonstrate that a disaster event leads to a chain reaction of changes in process, space and practice. Nurses' respond to the news of a disaster event with shock and disbelief. The ED may change as a result of the event requiring nurses to work in an altered environment or a completely different setting. These changes provoke nurses to alter their behaviour and practice and reflect on the experience after the response. Emergency nurses have a high likelihood of participating in disaster response and as such should be adequately prepared. This highlights how disaster response is different and leads to recommendations to enhance training for emergency nurses which will better prepare them Disasterresponse is not normal business r ed up. There are a number of challenges and changes that should be considered when preparing emergency nurses for the realities of disaster response.
Disaster preparedness among nurses: a systematic review of literature
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-03-2017
DOI: 10.1111/INR.12369
Abstract: This review explored peer-reviewed publications that measure nurses' preparedness for disaster response. The increasing frequency of disasters worldwide necessitates nurses to adequately prepare to respond to disasters to mitigate the negative consequences of the event on the affected population. Despite growing initiatives to prepare nurses for any disasters, evidence suggests they are under prepared for disaster response. This is a systematic review of scientific articles conducted from 2006 to 2016 on nurses' preparedness for disasters. SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL and PsychINFO were the primary databases utilized for search of literature. Keywords used in this review were as follows: 'emergency', 'disaster', 'disaster preparedness', 'disaster competencies', 'disaster nursing', 'disaster role' and 'nurse'. Seventeen (17) articles were selected for this review. Factors that increase preparedness for disaster response include previous disaster response experience and disaster-related training. However, it is widely reported that nurses are insufficiently prepared and do not feel confident responding effectively to disasters. The findings of this review contribute to a growing body of knowledge regarding disaster preparedness in nurses and have implications for academia, hospital administration and nursing educators. The findings of this review provide evidence that could be used by nurse educators and nurse administrators to better prepare nurses for disaster response. The findings from this review place an emphasis on hospitals to implement policies to address lack of preparedness among their employees. Furthermore, this review highlights the benefit of further research and provision of well-grounded disaster exercises that mimic actual events to enhance the preparedness of the nursing workforce.
Moments of disaster response in the emergency department (ED)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2017.10.002
Abstract: We experience our lives as a series of memorable moments, some good and some bad. Undoubtedly, the experience of participating in disaster response, is likely to stand out as a memorable moment in a nurses' career. This presentation will describe five distinct moments of nursing in the emergency department (ED) during a disaster response. A Hermeneutic Phenomenological approach informed by van Manen underpins the research process. Thirteen nurses from different countries around the world participated in interviews about their experience of working in the ED during a disaster. Thematic analysis resulted in five moments of disaster response which are common to the collective participant experience. The 5 themes emerge as Notification (as a nurse finds out that the ED will be receiving casualties), Waiting (waiting for the patients to arrive to the ED), Patient Arrival (the arrival of the first patients to the ED), Caring for patients (caring for people affected by the disaster) and Reflection (the moment the disaster response comes to an end). This paper provides an in-depth insight into the experience of nursing in the ED during a disaster response which can help generate awareness and inform future disaster preparedness of emergency nurses.
Emergency nurses’ knowledge and experience with the triage process in Hunan Province, China
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.IENJ.2017.05.007
Abstract: Triage is implemented to facilitate timely and appropriate treatment of patients, and is typically conducted by senior nurses. Triage accuracy and consistency across emergency departments remain a problem in mainland China. This study aimed to investigate the current status of triage practice and knowledge among emergency nurses in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. A s le of 300 emergency nurses was selected from 13 tertiary hospitals in Changsha and a total of 193 completed surveys were returned (response rate=64.3%). Surveys were circulated to head nurses, who then distributed them to nurses who met the selection criteria. Nurses were asked to complete the surveys and return them via dedicated survey return boxes that were placed in discreet locations to ensure anonymity. Just over half (50.8%) of participants reported receiving dedicated triage training, which was provided by their employer (38.6%), an education organisation (30.7%) or at a conference (26.1%). Approximately half (53.2%) reported using formal triage scales, which were predominantly 4-tier (43%) or 5-tier (34%). The findings highlight variability in triage practices and training of emergency nurses in Changsha. This has implications for the comparability of triage data and transferability of triage skills across hospitals.
Understanding the willingness of Australian emergency nurses to respond to a health care disaster
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
Australasian emergency nurses' willingness to attend work in a disaster: A survey
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2013.05.003
Abstract: The type of disaster, in idual demographic factors, family factors and workplace factors, have been identified in the international, multidisciplinary literature as factors that influence a person's willingness to attend and assist in their workplace during a disaster. However, it is unknown if these factors are applicable to Australasian emergency nurses. The research aims to determine the extent to which Australasian emergency nurses are willing to attend their workplace in a disaster. This research was exploratory and descriptive study design, using online and paper based surveys as a means of data collection. Australasian emergency nurses from two Australasian emergency nursing colleges and four Australian hospitals were recruited to participate. Data analysis was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistics. In total, 451 Australasian emergency nurses participated in this research. Participants were more willing to attend their workplace during a conventional disaster (p ≤ 0.001), if they worked full-time (p = 0.01), had received formal education pertaining to disasters (p ≤ 0.001), had a family disaster plan (p = 0.008), did not have children (p = 0.001) and worked in an environment in which they perceived their colleagues, managers and organisation to be prepared. The factors that influenced Australasian emergency nurses to attend their workplace in a disaster were similar to that described in the international multidisciplinary literature. Of particular note, improving disaster knowledge and skills, having a family disaster plan and improving the perceptions of the nurses' workplace preparedness can enhance the nurses' willingness to assist in a disaster.
A feasibility study on disaster preparedness in regional and rural emergency departments in New South Wales: Nurses self-assessment of knowledge, skills and preparation for disaster management
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.AUEC.2019.12.005
Abstract: Nurses who work in regional and rural hospitals face unique challenges to disaster preparedness and response. Geographical location and isolation, decreased resources and subsequent workforce, along with organizational and financial restraints are some of the hurdles these in iduals and communities face [1,2]. The Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool was applied a population of Regional and Rural Emergency Nurses in New South Wales. Thirty-two nurses participated in this study. Their level of disaster preparedness was at a moderate level for knowledge, skills and preparation for disaster management. Their experiences broadly mirrored those found in earlier research. Results highlighted the nature of and delivery of continuing professional development in relation to disaster preparedness mechanisms to encourage emergency department nurses to develop personal and family preparedness plans (to improved disaster preparedness) increased training in relation to psychological assessment of patients, and identification of biological agent signs and symptoms.
Exploring staff willingness to attend work during a disaster: A study of nurses employed in four Australian emergency departments
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.AENJ.2013.05.004
Abstract: Much of the literature about emergency nurses willingness to work during disasters has been from a non-Australian perspective. Despite the many recent disasters, little is known of Australian nurse's willingness to participate in disaster response. This paper presents findings from a study that explored nurses willingness to attend work during a disaster and the factors that influenced this decision. Data were collected consecutively using a combination of focus group and interview methods. Participants in this study, registered nurses from emergency departments, were recruited through convenience s ling from four hospitals in Australia. Participant narrative was electronically recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. The participants for both the focus groups and interviews compromised a mix of ages, genders and years of experience as emergency nurses from across four jurisdictions within Australia. Three major themes that influenced willingness emerged with a number of subthemes. Theme one reflected the uncertainty of the situation such as the type of disaster. The second theme surrounded the preparedness of the workplace, emergency nurse and colleagues, and the third theme considered personal and professional choice based on home and work circumstances and responsibilities. The decision to attend work or not during a disaster, includes a number of complex personal, work-related and professional factors that can change, depending on the type of disaster, preparedness of the work environment and the emergency nurses' personal responsibilities at that time.
Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of caring for patients who die in the emergency department setting
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.IENJ.2019.100789
Abstract: The number of people dying in emergency departments (EDs) is increasing. However, EDs are not well designed or resourced for safe and effective End-Of-Life (EOL) care encounters, and there is little evidence regarding clinicians' perceptions and experiences of providing such care when the death is sudden and unexpected. This study explored nurses' perceptions and experiences of caring for patients who die suddenly and unexpectedly in the ED. Open-end responses were collected as part of a larger descriptive survey design. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. 211 ED nurse completed the online survey. Within the qualitative data, five themes were identified during analysis: 1) key elements of EOL care, 2) systemic and environmental barriers, 3) educational deficits, 4) role ambiguity, and 5) emotional impact. Participants identified communication, a standardised approach, and better educational preparedness as the most important elements of EOL care when the death was sudden and unexpected. ED nurses want to provide high quality care to dying patients and their families. However, their efforts are h ered by systemic and environmental barriers outside their control. There is a need for a culture shift to overcome the barriers that currently obstruct ED nurses from providing meaningful and effective EOL care in the ED.
Working in the dark – The impact of a state-wide black systems event on emergency departments: A case study from clinician perspectives
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2019
Disaster Education and training of emergency nurses in South Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2009
Related Organisations
WHO Collaborating Centre Nursing, Midwifery, Health Development At University Of Technology Sydney
Location: Australia
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Karen Hammad.