Burnout, quality of life and perceived patient adverse events among paediatric nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose

This cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational study aimed to measure burnout, quality of life (QOL) and perceptions of patient‐related adverse events among paediatric nurses amid the COVID‐19 pandemic and assess the relationships between these scores and participants' demographic and work‐related characteristics.

Background

The mental health of most nurses may severely suffer due to the significant adversities that they struggle with while they care for their patients amid the COVID‐19 pandemic. Mental distress negatively affects nurses' relationships and work performance, which may adversely influence the quality of care and patient safety.

Methods

A convenient sample of 225 Jordanian paediatric nurses completed a test batter comprising the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Brief Version of the World Health Organisation's Quality of Life questionnaire and the nurse‐perceived patient adverse events' questionnaire. This study was prepared and is reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Results

Paediatric nurses reported high levels of burnout, low QOL and high occurrence of hospital‐acquired infections. Participants' age and hospital/unit capacity were significantly associated with burnout and QOL.

Conclusion

Personal traits, perceived salary insufficiency and hospital/unit capacity represent factors that aggravate burnout, lower quality of life and worsen perceived patient safety among paediatric nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Policymakers should promote nurses' mental integrity and patient safety by addressing issues of workload and financial sufficiency and by provide interventions aimed to increase nurses' resilience.

Patient or public contribution

Patients or public were not involved in setting the research question, the outcome measures, the design or implementation of the study. However, paediatric nurses responded to the research questionnaires.