Identifying the evidence base of interventions supporting mental health nurses to cope with stressful working environments: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim To scope the evidence on interventions used to help mental health nurses cope with stressful working environments. Background Nursing managers may implement interventions to support mental health nurses cope in their role. However, the evidence supporting these interventions has not been recently reviewed. Methods A scoping review was conducted which entailed searching and selecting potential studies, undertaking data extraction and synthesis. Results Eighteen studies published since 2000 were identified. They employed different designs, ten used quasi‐experimental methods. Interventions involving active learning appeared beneficial, for example stress reduction courses and mindfulness. However, small sample sizes, short follow‐up periods and variation in outcome measures make it difficult to identify the optimum interventions. No studies have considered cost‐effectiveness. Conclusion There is some evidence that mental health nurses benefit from interventions to help them cope with stressful working environments. However, higher quality research is needed to establish the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of different interventions. Implications for Nursing Management Managers should provide opportunities and encourage mental health nurses to engage in active learning interventions, for example mindfulness to help them cope with stressful working environments. Nurses also want managers to address organisational issues; however, no research on these types of interventions was identified.

Mental health and lifestyle in mental health nurses: a cross-sectional, nation-wide study from Uganda during COVID-19 times

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Causes and solutions to workplace psychological ill-health for nurses, midwives and paramedics: the Care Under Pressure 2 realist review

“…'Think to drink' campaign (tackling dehydration) 30 Access to food out-of-hours (Royal Free NHS Trust) 30 Psychosocial Interventions Mindfulness training 25,74,93,106,108,144,164,165 NHS In Mind (www.nhsinmind.co.uk) 166 Calm App 166 Headspace App 166 Self-care: essential needs Space and time to care for self/selfcompassion (and others) 9,25,35,87,156,158 Exercise 18,31,96,98,105,158 Hobbies/interest outside of work 96,158 Good diet and nutrition 31,96,98,158 Get enough sleep 96,98 Take regular breaks/holidays from work 9,158 Self-care: herbal remedies, message therapy 158 Basic needs met at work: lockers, showers, food and drink etc. 9 and personal safety 23 Psychosocial education Stress-management training 22,91,106,112,122 Resilience training 32,112 (Army) Care Provider Support Program 32 Positive Psychology training …”

“…80,82,105 Reflective Practice Groups were also reported to support mental health and wellbeing: formal groups that facilitate reflection and critical thinking in a safe supportive environment. 25,78 In relation to training in healthcare job-specific skills, communication skills' programmes were reported to be associated with well-being benefit in two reviews, 112,162 with one also reporting positive benefit from a Professional Identity Development Programme. 162 Job-specific education/skills-training enhanced confidence and competence in the role according to two literature reviews (working with paediatric chronic pain for paediatric nurses, 93 and assessment and treatment of schizophrenia for forensic nurses).…”

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