Citation

Fox L, Timm N. J. Pediatr. Nurs. 2008; 23(2): 145-152.

Affiliation

MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. lfox@metrohealth.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pedn.2007.12.008

PMID

18339341

Abstract

Children have unique physical, emotional, and developmental needs making them particularly vulnerable during disasters. Most existing disaster preparedness courses lack a pediatric perspective. This article describes a pediatric disaster preparedness program presented to pediatric nurses in an urban, Level 1 trauma center. Survey results from the participants prior to the program revealed a lack of awareness of pediatric issues. Although the program resulted in an immediate improvement in awareness, retention fell back to precourse levels 2 years later. We conclude that pediatric disaster preparedness training should be integrated into hospital nursing curriculum on a regular basis.

Language: en