Mid‐term report on the project “Disaster nursing in a ubiquitous society” in the academic years 2003 and 2004

Aim:  This is the mid‐term report of the project titled “Disaster nursing in a ubiquitous society”, funded by the Japanese Government. The purpose of this project is to develop the self‐care abilities of communities and individuals to independently regenerate and recover from the consequences of disasters. Methods:  The methods utilized in this project were questionnaires sent by post or placed on websites, and interviews. The participants in our research were people with special needs in the case of a disaster, nursing professionals, ordinary people, and other professionals. Results:  During 2003 and 2004, there were activities that progressed according to the original plans, activities that progressed at a faster rate than foreseen in the original plans, and newly expanded research activities that were conducted. New academic knowledge gained from the project activities includes five factors for disaster preparedness, six common issues related to health, care, training, and others, six categories of necessary factors in nursing activities, the clarification of the support needs of care‐providers, and the clarification of specific groups with unique needs including children, pregnant and postpartum women, elderly people, people with chronic conditions, cancer patients, and care‐providers. Conclusions:  The growing recognition of our center as a global base of disaster nursing is indicated by the fact that we receive numerous requests from Japan and abroad, that our suggestions influence some governmental policies, and that we take initiatives in promoting the concept of disaster nursing throughout the world. It is necessary to disseminate the results of this project, to develop further knowledge, to clarify future challenges related to disasters, and to contribute to the preparedness of people and communities.