A mixed-methods pilot study of a psychoeducational group programme for nurse managers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

This mixed-methods pilot study aimed to measure the feasibility and acceptability of a psychoeducational group programme and determine its impact on mental well-being. The programme was developed to promote self-care, growth and adaptive coping for nurse managers. The programme themes were resilience, insight, self-compassion and empowerment. The sample included 19 hospital-based nurse managers. Outcomes included post-traumatic growth, resilience, insight, self-compassion, empowerment, perceived stress, burnout and job satisfaction. Paired samples t tests were conducted to compare outcomes at baseline to follow-up. Qualitative interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to code the qualitative responses by keyword, which were then aggregated into themes. Participants reported higher post-traumatic growth and psychological empowerment after the intervention. The following six themes emerged most consistently from the qualitative interviews: feasibility of the programme, benefits of peer support, sources of stress, barriers to self-care, sources of strength and sustainability of effects. The results support the acceptability and feasibility of the psychoeducational group programme. Health care organizations can support and promote the implementation of programmes to alleviate burnout and improve mental well-being amid the complex demands of nursing management (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04987697).