Preparedness of Primary Health Nurses for Biological Disaster Management: A Review of Knowledge, Competencies, Resources, and Institutional Support ()
ABSTRACT
This research analyzed the capacity of primary health nurses (PHNs) to manage biological disasters by synthesizing literature on four major domains: knowledge and awareness, clinical competence, resource availability, and institutional support. A thorough search of research published between 2018 and 2024 was conducted across major databases, with suitable publications evaluated using predetermined inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that PHNs had intermediate levels of basic knowledge on pathogen biology and outbreak protocols, but lacked depth in emerging zoonotic threats and bioterrorism agents. Targeted drills improved technical abilities, including personal protective equipment use and infection control, but adaptive decision-making and critical thinking in crisis situations remained underdeveloped. Health systems should build resilient supply chains, such as regional stockpiles and quick distribution networks, and integrate PHN representation into disaster management frameworks. On-site counselling and peer support programs are important for maintaining workforce resilience. By addressing these multidimensional deficiencies, the analysis concluded that health systems might transform moderate preparedness into robust, long-term response capacity, thereby bolstering primary healthcare infrastructure against future biological threats.
Share and Cite:
AlShammari, L. (2025) Preparedness of Primary Health Nurses for Biological Disaster Management: A Review of Knowledge, Competencies, Resources, and Institutional Support.
Open Journal of Nursing,
15, 450-462. doi:
10.4236/ojn.2025.157033.
Cited by
No relevant information.