Toward an Integrated Health Informatics Framework for Nursing and Emergency Medical Services Preparedness for Emergencies: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: The increasing frequency of disasters, pandemics, mass casualty incidents, and climate-related emergencies has highlighted the need for resilient healthcare systems. Nurses and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals rely on timely access to accurate information to support effective emergency response. Advances in health informatics, including electronic health records, clinical decision support systems, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, mobile health, and interoperable platforms, offer significant opportunities to enhance preparedness and coordination.
Objective: This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on health informatics technologies supporting emergency preparedness in nursing and EMS, identifies implementation barriers and facilitators, and proposes an integrated framework with future research directions.
Methods: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Eligible studies addressing health informatics applications in nursing and/or EMS preparedness were systematically reviewed, quality appraised, and narratively synthesized.
Results: The review identified key technologies supporting emergency preparedness, including electronic health records, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, mobile health, geographic information systems, Internet of Medical Things, predictive analytics, and interoperable communication platforms. Major implementation challenges included interoperability, cybersecurity, data quality, workforce competency, and organizational readiness.
Conclusion: Integrating health informatics across nursing and EMS can improve situational awareness, clinical decision-making, resource allocation, and interagency coordination. The proposed framework provides a foundation for future research, policy development, and implementation of resilient, data-driven emergency healthcare systems.