title: Evaluation of a disaster-surge training for public health nurses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effect of a blended educational intervention (in-class and independent learning modules) developed to enhance Ohio PHN confidence in 25 disaster surge competencies that address the PHN role and skills in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a quasi-experimental one group pre and post design. Participants (N = 54) completed pre- and postintervention surveys to evaluate intervention impact on self-perceived confidence and need for further training in the 25 competencies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Parallel pre and post surveys assessed participant evaluation of confidence and need for further competency training. Paired t tests and repeated measures ANOVA compared pre- and postsurvey results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Confidence in Preparedness, Response, and Recovery PHN disaster surge competencies significantly increased, whereas self-perceived need for further competency training correspondingly significantly decreased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A blended learning approach to disaster surge training effectively improved PHNs confidence in competency achievement and reduced perceived need for further training.
authors.affiliation: Providence Portland Medical Center, Multidisciplinary Clinics, Portland, Oregon 97213, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Polivka
authors.forename: Sharon A R
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Stanley
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004190:Disasters; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration