Designing Protocols Based on Chaos Theory for Managing Nursing Services in Wartime Conditions

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Author

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

Abstract

In the unpredictable and high-stakes environment of wartime healthcare, nursing services face extraordinary challenges that disrupt conventional organizational frameworks. Chaos theory, which examines complex, dynamic systems sensitive to initial conditions, provides a robust framework for designing nursing protocols that enhance responsiveness, resilience, and quality of care in conflict settings. This essay integrates chaos theory principles into wartime nursing protocols, addressing specific challenges, proposing actionable strategies, and incorporating practical and ethical considerations to navigate the complexities of war. Wartime nursing operates in an environment of complexity and uncertainty, where traditional protocols often fail. By integrating chaos theory principles—sensitivity to initial conditions, adaptability, continuous learning, supportive leadership, and ethical frameworks—nursing protocols can transform chaos into effective care delivery. Drawing from historical examples like Vietnam and addressing implementation barriers, these protocols empower nurses to navigate unpredictable conflict settings, enhancing resilience and patient outcomes.Wartime nursing involves ethical dilemmas, such as prioritizing patients under resource scarcity. Chaos theory-based protocols can guide ethical decision-making by embedding adaptive triage frameworks that balance equity and efficiency. For instance, real-time data on patient conditions can inform dynamic prioritization, ensuring fairness while maximizing survival rates. Protocols should also include ethical training to help nurses navigate moral stress, fostering resilience in chaotic settings

Highlights

Reza Abdollahi (Google Scholar)

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References

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Health Management & Information Science
Volume 12, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 281-282

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