Workload and performance obstacles of nursing staff in intensive care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59282/reincisol.V3(6)1798-1817Keywords:
Workload, nursing staff, intensive care units, professional performance, NAS.Abstract
Nursing staff in intensive care units (ICUs) face a significant workload that affects both their well-being and the quality of care provided to patients. This study aimed to identify the factors that contribute to this workload and the obstacles faced by nursing staff in critical care settings, in order to point out key areas for improving the support and efficiency of the intensive care team. Through a systematic review of the scientific literature in databases such as Scielo, Medline, PubMed, Dialnet, Cochrane, Scopus and ScienceDirect, articles published between 2020 and 2024 addressing workload and performance in ICUs were analyzed, with a focus on the working conditions of nursing staff. The results showed that nurses face a high workload, marked by the care of a considerable number of critically ill patients, the complexity of the care required and insufficient resources. In addition, obstacles such as lack of ongoing training, pressure to meet strict standards, staff shortages, and difficulties in communication and coordination with other health professionals were identified. These conditions increase fatigue, stress, reduce job satisfaction, and increase the risk of errors in patient care.
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Copyright (c) 2024 María Auxiliadora Salazar Roldan , Andrea Carolina Venegas Paute, Carmen María de Los Ángeles Alarcón Dalgo
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