Emergency Nurse Consensus on Most Effective and Accessible Support Strategies During COVID-19: A Delphi Study

Abstract

IntroductionEmergency nurses face significant risk for stress-related complications while working during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness and accessibility of support strategies for nurses in this novel situation. Expert consensus may help fill this knowledge gap. Therefore, the study objective was to gain expert consensus from emergency nurses on the most effective and accessible strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis 2-round Delphi study recruited an online expert panel from emergency nurses practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic within a single Mountain West health system spanning 9 urban and rural emergency departments. Over 10 weeks in the summer of 2021, participants completed 2 sequential surveys to rate and rank employee-led and employer-led support strategies collated from a literature review. ResultsOf 327 recruitment emails sent, 28 nurses joined the expert panel. Emergency nurses reached a consensus on preference for employee-led self-care activities, including enhancing social well-being and strengthening emotional well-being. None of the employer-led strategies reached group consensus regarding high effectiveness, accessibility, and the likelihood of participation. Additionally, emergency nurses favored in-person support strategies over other delivery methods. DiscussionNumerous studies have explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers. Although experts and researchers seek to determine the best support strategies, this study highlights how emergency nurses wish to be supported. Employers can tailor support strategies for maximum effect by understanding health care worker perceptions and preferences.