Quality of life at work: Brazilian nursing literature review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze how Quality of Working Life (QWL) / Quality of Life at Work (QLW) has been studied, and assess the Brazilian nursing professionals' satisfaction. Methods: Articles were selected using the following databases: LILACS; CAPES; DEDALUS; UNICAMP; UNIFESP; and UNESP. The selected studies were analyzed based on some evaluation criteria used in studies about Quality of Life: concepts and domains, used instruments and investigated population. Results: Of the 47 studies found, 17 (36.1%) met the established inclusion criteria. The term QWL/QLW was conceptualized in eight articles (47.0%). Eleven papers (64.7%) pointed out the analyzed domains. The QWL/QLW concept was more related to professional satisfaction, while the most approached domain was payment. Seven instruments were found, and the Index of Professional Satisfaction was the most used (23.5%). Conclusion: Generally, there was no consensus among the researched authors regarding the QWL/QLW concept and the domains of the evaluated studies. RESUMENObjetivo: Analizar cómo ha sido estudiada la calidad de Vida en el Trabajo (CVT) y la satisfacción profesional en la enfermería brasileña. Métodos: Para la selección de los artículos se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos: LILACS; CAPES; DEDALUS; UNICAMP; UNIFESP y UNESP. Los estudios seleccionados fueron analizados empleando algunos criterios de evaluación utilizados en estudios sobre Calidad de Vida: concepto y dominios, instrumentos utilizados y población investigada. Resultados: De los 47 estudios encontrados, 17 (36,1%) atendieron a los criterios de inclusión establecidos. El término CVT fue conceptualizado en ocho publicaciones (47,0 %) y 11 (64,7%) apuntaron los dominios analizados. El concepto de CVT estuvo más relacionado a la satisfacción profesional y el dominio más abordado fue la remuneración. Fueron identificados siete instrumentos, siendo el Índice de Satisfacción Profesional el más usado (23,5%). Conclusión: De modo general no existió consenso entre los autores de las investigaciones analizadas respecto al concepto de CVT y a los dominios del trabajo evaluados.

Qualidade de vida no trabalho do enfermeiro da Atenção Básica à Saúde

“…In the course of the interviews, further meanings were added to the initial conceptions of QOL and QWL, and these meanings have also been reported in the scientific literature on health (3)(4) . QOL was related to the satisfaction of workers' and users' needs within their bio-psycho-socio-spiritual dimensions of life.…”

“…When work is performed under favorable conditions, it promotes a feeling of wellbeing that favors human relationships and work processes. This feeling has a positive effect on the QOL of health care professionals and improves the quality of their assistance (3,(15)(16) .…”

“…From the perspective of workers' satisfaction with work, QWL studies have pointed to the importance workers assign to work relationships and work processes (3)(4) . Adequate teamwork was considered to be necessary for a satisfactory QWL.…”

“…QWL describes the satisfaction of workers in safe work environments that are characterized by mutual respect and opportunities to perform the required functions (3) . To achieve a satisfactory QWL, workers must be valued and considered in decision making and their needs must be satisfied, their creativity promoted, their work relationships humanized, and their working conditions improved (4) .…”

“…There is no consensus on the best manner to assess QWL or the satisfaction of nurses (3) . Most studies in this field approach the QOL of patients and their relatives, whereas studies on the QWL of health care professionals are less common.…”