An Evaluation of a Web-Based Crisis Management Training Program for Nurse Managers: the Case of the Covid-19 Crisis

Abstract

Objective: The effective management of nursing services, the main power in patients’ care and treatment in the front line of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and nurse managers’ effective leadership behaviors in the fight against the pandemic have been important key factors. It is thus critical to support nurse managers, strengthen them through training, and increase their competency so that they can successfully manage crises, disasters, or pandemics. This study aims to assess the effect of a web-based training program on the knowledge levels of nurse managers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of the members of the Nurse Managers Association. The intervention group had 30 participants, and the control group had 31 participants in the final. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups’ mean number of correct pre-test responses (P = 0.843). However, the intervention group’s mean number of correct post-test responses was statistically significantly higher than the control group’s after the web-based training program (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Web-based training programs can effectively increase nurse managers’ knowledge levels. Therefore, web-based training programs should be developed in ordinary times for the management of crisis situations. © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.