Abstract
1
Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.Sup / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30iSup.517 / e00517
Nursing Interventions in the Management of Climate-related
Disasters: Documentary Analysis of Emergency Plans
Eunice Pires1*, Adriana Henriques2, Paulo Nogueira3, Andreia Costa4
1 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Escola Superior de Enfermagem (ESEUL), Universidade de Lisboa,
1600-096, Lisboa Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo – EPER, 9500-370, Ponta Delgada, S. Miguel, Açores; orcid.org/0000-0002-9467-0763
2 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Escola Superior de Enfermagem (ESEUL), Universidade de Lisboa,
1600-096, Lisboa Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; orcid.org/0000-0003-0288-6653
3 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Escola Superior de Enfermagem (ESEUL), Universidade de Lisboa,
1600-096, Lisboa Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
orcid.org/0000-0001-8316-5035
4 Nursing Research Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR), Escola Superior de Enfermagem (ESEUL), Universidade de Lisboa,
1600-096, Lisboa Portugal; Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal;
Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; orcid.org/0000-0002-2727-4402
* Corresponding author: epires@campus.esel.pt
Abstract
Introduction
Extreme weather events reflect climate variability and are influenced by climate change, resulting in high rates
of morbidity, mortality, and mental health problems. In this context, health systems require integrated responses
throughout the disaster management cycle, and nursing assumes a strategic role, supported by its proximity to
communities and skills such as continuous assessment, care coordination, health communication, and
psychosocial support. However, evidence on their explicit integration into contingency plans remains limited,
especially in island contexts.
Objective
This study aimed to analyse the integration of nursing interventions in emergency plans in the context of climate
change.
Methods
This qualitative study applied documentary analysis of three publicly available emergency plans in the Azores
that include natural risk scenarios and the organisation of multisectoral responses. Content analysis, which was
both inductive and deductive in nature, was conducted using WebQDA®, based on the disaster management
cycle and the domains of competence of the International Council of Nurses. Methodological rigor was ensured
through in-depth reading of the documents, systematic coding of the data, validation of emerging categories,
and maintenance of a transparent record of the analytical process.
Results
The analysis identified nine themes, 22 subthemes, and 133 nursing interventions related to the disaster cycle.
There was a predominance in the response and preparation phases, with less representation in mitigation and
recovery.
Conclusion
Nursing is present in all phases of disaster management, albeit in a less explicit manner. Strengthening their
integration into plans is essential for strengthening the response of health systems to climate change. This study
contributes to the consolidation of nursing as a central element in the adaptation of health systems to the
emerging climate challenges.
Keywords
Natural Disaster; Disasters; Disaster Planning; Nursing.
Abstract
2
Pensar Enfermagem / v.30 n.Sup / Jan-Dec 2026 / DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v30iSup.517 / e00517
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