The impact of the search and rescue training in nursing on disaster perception and disaster response self-efficacy: a mixed-methods study

In times of disaster, it is crucial for nurses, who play significant roles in healthcare services, to possess the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure effective emergency interventions and sustain health amidst crises. This study was conducted to determine the disaster perceptions of final-year nursing students and to assess the impact of education provided through theoretical, practical, and simulated application environments regarding disasters on their disaster response self-efficacy levels. Mixed-methods design. The study involved 30 senior nursing students. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design with a single-group pretest-posttest arrangement. Additionally, a mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating a qualitative descriptive design to capture pre-training opinions. The data collection instruments included a Demographic Characteristics Form, a Metaphorical Perceptions Data Collection Form, and a Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale. Before the search and rescue training in nursing, students obtained a total score of 65.17 ± 11.844 points on the Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale. After the search and rescue training, students scored a total of 83.87 ± 9.372 points on the same scale. Statistically significant differences were observed in the total score and all sub-dimensions of the scale before and after the training (p < 0.05). Upon examining qualitative data, it was observed that students’ metaphorical perceptions of disasters were categorized into three themes: “Uncertainty and Fear,” “Emotional Burden and Loss,” and “Reality and Change.“We found that the disaster self-efficacy of nursing students increased after the search and rescue training in nursing. We would like to thank the Editor for the constructive comments and helpful suggestions. In response, we have carefully revised the manuscript and implemented all recommended changes.