Nurses on the Frontline of Disaster: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Post-Earthquake Care Experiences

Abstract

Background Earthquakes generate urgent and complex care needs, positioning nurses as key responders. Exploring their post-earthquake care experiences is vital for strengthening disaster preparedness and nursing practice.Aim This study aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on nurses' experiences of providing care in the aftermath of earthquakes.Study Design This research was conducted through a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The qualitative systematic review was conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's four-step meta-synthesis methodology. This metasynthesis study, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, is registered in PROSPERO. The following electronic databases and platforms were used for the literature review: MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, Complementary Index, Supplemental Index, Directory of Open Access Journals and WOS.Findings Based on 27 included studies, the research identified four main themes and 13 sub-themes related to nurses' post-earthquake care experiences. These themes were: (1) early post-earthquake nursing challenges, (2) conflict experiences, (3) valued experiences and methods of coping with challenges and (4) impact of rescue experiences.Conclusions This research highlighted nurses' post-earthquake care experiences, emphasising how they overcame challenges, redefined their profession and emerged stronger. It also identified the limitations and facilitators within the post-earthquake care environment, providing valuable insights for enhancing care settings during future earthquakes.Relevance to Clinical Practice This study identified limitations and facilitators in the post-earthquake care environment of clinical settings, providing valuable insights to improve care environments during future earthquakes.