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Preparing Future Healthcare Professionals for Disasters

The Disaster Aftermath Interprofessional Simulation (DAIS) program returned to in-person training on December 6, 2024, at the UH Manoa Campus Center Ballroom. This marked the first time this complex, emergency preparedness learning activity was held in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic.

DAIS is an initiative led by the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene and the Hawaii Interprofessional Education (HIPE) workgroup. DAIS equips UH Manoa nursing, public health, and social work students with essential skills to respond effectively to disasters.

Student activity during a simulation exercise

This semester, 64 students participated in the program, engaging in collaborative simulations to practice triage, manage public health crises, and investigate outbreaks in emergency shelters. This hands-on training enhances their preparedness for real-world challenges while fostering interprofessional teamwork.

“In the wake of the devastating Maui wildfires last year, it’s more important than ever to prepare our future healthcare professionals to work together across silos to effectively respond to disasters, ” said Dr. Gary Glauberman, department of nursing chair and director of the Online Advanced Population Health Nursing program. “The DAIS provides invaluable training that will equip UH Manoa students to make a real difference in our communities in times of crises, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing ways that we can all improve resilience to future public health emergencies.”

Over the years, the DAIS program has evolved to include diverse simulation formats, from  large-scale exercises with live actors and real first aid supplies, to efficient tabletop simulations.  During the pandemic, faculty successfully transitioned DAIS to online learning, expanding its reach and accessibility when large gatherings were restricted. Faculty continually adapt the program to meet changing needs and resource limitations.

Disaster Aftermath Interprofessional Simulation training for students

The return to an in-person activity underscores the importance of  building interprofessional networks among students across  various health professional programs. “Coordinating interprofessional education activities is challenging, especially complex ones like DAIS,” said Kimm Teruya, administrative officer for the UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center and interprofessional education coordinator for HIPE. “However, the rewards for this effort are evident when health professional students come together, building skills that extend beyond the classroom. The DAIS really exemplifies the impactful interprofessional activities we hold year-round.”

Following the event, students were encouraged to get involved in emergency preparedness in their own communities.” As an island state, we are so isolated in Hawaii and have limited resources,” added Dr. Michele Bray, assistant professor and director of the Online RN to BS program. “It’s crucial that we prepare our healthcare workforce to respond to disasters effectively. The DAIS is a vital step in ensuring our future health professional workforce are aware of the challenges our community may face, and inspire them to get involved in their family and community’s readiness for disasters.”

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