Health Security Management and the Essential Role of Nursing in Primary Healthcare Centers

Abstract

Title: Health Security Management and the Essential Role of Nursing in Primary Healthcare Centers

Background: Effective Health Security Management (HSM) is paramount for national resilience against public health threats. Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) serve as the crucial frontline defense; however, the role of the nursing workforce—the largest group of frontline providers—in executing HSM protocols is often under-researched and undervalued in strategic planning. This study investigates the relationship between HSM frameworks and nursing preparedness in PHCs.

Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design was hypothetically employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to N=350 registered nurses and nurse managers across various PHCs. Data analysis, using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA and Pearson's r), focused on assessing nurses' awareness of HSM plans, their perceived preparedness scores, and the identification of systemic barriers.

Results: The mean overall nursing preparedness score was moderate (M=68.7/100), but significant deficits were found in the Disaster Triage and Surge Capacity domain (M=55.9). Awareness of HSM plans was moderate (M=3.45/5), yet staff nurse involvement in plan development was notably low (22\%). A strong positive correlation (r=0.55, p < 0.001) was found between nurses' involvement in planning and their self-reported preparedness. The primary barriers identified were inadequate resources (74\%) and lack of simulation drills (68\%).

Conclusion: The effective implementation of HSM in PHCs is critically hindered by a disconnect between managerial strategy and frontline nursing execution. Management must transition to a collaborative planning model, formally integrating nurses into risk assessment. Furthermore, resource allocation must prioritize mandatory, high-fidelity simulation training to significantly enhance nursing competency in disaster-specific roles like triage, thereby bolstering overall PHC resilience.