BackgroundThe study objective was to investigate and synthesize available evidence relating to the psychological health of Emergency Dispatch Centre (EDC) operatives, and to identify key stressors experienced by EDC operatives.MethodsEight electronic databases (Embase, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, The Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Google Scholar) were searched. All study designs were included, and no date limits were set. Studies were included if they were published in English, and explored the psychological health of any EDC operatives, across fire, police, and emergency medical services. Studies were excluded if they related solely to other emergency workers, such as police officers or paramedics. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using checklists adapted from the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. A narrative synthesis was conducted, using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 16 articles were included in the review. Two overarching themes were identified during the narrative synthesis: ‘Organisational and Operational Factors’ and ‘Interactions with Others’. Stressors identified included being exposed to traumatic calls, lacking control over high workload, and working in under-resourced and pressured environments. Lack of support from management and providing an emotionally demanding service were additional sources of stress. Peer support and social support from friends and family were helpful in managing work-related stress.DiscussionEDC operatives experience stress as a result of their work, which appears to be related to negative psychological health outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of this stress, and the potential for workplace interventions to alleviate the negative impacts on psychological health.PROSPERO Registration NumberCRD42014010806.
Aim
To measure key aspects of the critical care nursing workforce across the National Health Service (NHS) and compare these with recommended standards where they exist.
Background
The provision of high‐quality and safe critical care services is dependent on adequate numbers of highly skilled nurses. Understanding the issues and challenges within critical care services across the NHS is key to future planning and policy in this area.
Design
A stakeholder‐driven consensus development approach was adopted to design a workforce survey by members of the Critical Care National Network Nurse Leads (CC3N) Forum.
Methods
The survey was conducted across all the critical care units in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Data were collated to enable presentation of descriptive statistics.
Results
Data returns were received from 240 of the 272 units in England and Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales data were excluded from analysis and reporting. Differences in the sample and data returns limited comparison with the previous survey in some aspects. Stability was seen in vacancy and sickness rates. Improvements were seen in safe nurse: patient ratios, supernumerary “nurse in charge,” critical care outreach service cover, use of national competency framework, and agency use. Dependency on overseas nurses in some units remains high. Specialist critical care training levels in many units do not meet current required standards.
Conclusion
Clear improvements have been made. There is significant stability. Some challenges remain. Continued review of resource allocation is important in the coming years, as is policy and strategy to ensure recruitment, appropriate training, and support for staff well‐being.
Relevance to clinical practice
The reader will gain insight into the critical care nursing workforce in the NHS in England and Northern Ireland. The results are useful for nurses, nurse managers, and policymakers.
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