2024/11/12 by Maria Emma Musio, Marta Russo, Martina Barbieri +5
Health Professions · Psychology · #COVID-19 and Mental Health #Family and Patient Care in Intensive Care Units #Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/phn.13471
openalex publication_date 2024/11/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
AIM: To identify factors protecting and hindering the well-being of critical care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND: The unique work challenges of critical care nurses can undermine their professional and mental well-being; as evidenced by the prevailing literature on burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral distress. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen these professionals on the front lines and has raised many questions about professional well-being. Identifying the factors that protect and hinder the well-being of critical care nurses would help to develop the strategies necessary to reduce worrying phenomena associated with professional malaise. EVALUATION: A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web on Science. KEY ISSUES: After full text analysis, 25 papers were included in the current systematic review. Factors influencing the well-being of critical care nurses have been grouped into "Protective" and "Hindering." CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that critical care nurses' well-being is influenced by factors like personal resilience and supportive work environments, which enhance their experience. Challenges include sociodemographic issues and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Addressing these factors is crucial for their well-being and the effectiveness of healthcare systems. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: The well-being of nurses is intricately linked to the quality and security of patient care, ultimately influencing clinical outcomes. This review delves deeply into the multifaceted factors that affect the professional well-being of critical care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing these elements is critical for directing health policy toward the development of initiatives that bolster healthcare workers' welfare. Prioritizing the professional well-being of nurses is imperative, as it is fundamental in mitigating the increasing inclination towards job turnover, a challenge that is profoundly impacting the healthcare sector.