JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Increased workload, lack of resources, fear of infection, and the suffering and loss of residents have placed a significant emotional burden on regulated and unregulated direct care nursing staff (eg, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, care aides) in nursing homes (residential long-term care homes). Psychological distress and burnout related to COVID-19 have been cited among direct care staff within nursing homes. Studies have also emphasized the resilience of direct care staff, who despite the significant challenges created by the pandemic, remained committed to providing quality care. To date, only one nursing home specific review has synthesized evidence from 15 studies conducted early in the pandemic which found anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression among direct care staff.

Objective:

The aims of this systematic review are (1) to synthesize all empirical evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on direct care staffs’ mental health, physical health, and work-life outcomes, (2) identify specific risks and protective factors, and (3) examine the effect of strategies or interventions that have been developed to improve these outcomes.

Methods:

We will include all study designs reporting objective or subjective measurements of direct care staffs’ mental health, physical health, and quality of work-life in nursing home settings during the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020 onward). We will search multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO) and grey literature sources with no language restrictions. Two authors will independently screen, assess data quality, and extract data for synthesis. Given the heterogeneity in research designs, we will use multiple data synthesis methods that are suitable for quantitative and qualitative studies.

Results:

As of May 2022, full text screening has been completed and data extraction is underway. The expected completion date is August 30, 2022.

Conclusions:

Further synthesis is needed to understand the effects of interventions, risks and protective factors and the sustained impact of the pandemic on the mental health, physical health, and quality of work-life of frontline staff. Decision makers will be able to use this evidence to improve practice and develop policies to support staff in the current and future pandemics, as well as, within the wider context of caregiving and care quality in nursing home settings. Clinical Trial: This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021248420).