Critical Care in Crisis: A Global Scoping Review of ICU Nurses' Roles in Disaster Management

Abstract

Objectives: To scope what is known from the existing literature about ICU nurses' disaster preparedness and response.

 Methods: In August 2024, a systematic search was conducted in five databases: PROQUEST Nursing, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and PubMed. Using a combination of key terms and relevant subject headings, 670 sources were identified. Two investigators independently performed a two-stage screening using Rayyan's blinded function. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion, ensuring reliability.

 Results: The final review included 52 articles. Analysis of the results yielded eight themes: professional education, guidelines, nurses' experiences, patient care, staff readiness, competence, patient experiences, and ethical considerations.

 Conclusion: Evidence suggests that ICU nurses working in regions experiencing disasters and mass casualty events actively publish their experiences, are highly motivated to research these incidents, and acquire valuable knowledge from lessons learned. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic was a global crisis affecting nearly all ICU nurses, it presents an opportunity to initiate an international study examining the themes uncovered in this review.