Implementing a fatigue countermeasures program for nurses: a focus group analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Occupational Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Industrial fatigue management programs exist, but nurse-specific programs are underdeveloped.
• Nurse fatigue poses risks to patient safety and healthcare quality.
• Addressing nurse fatigue is crucial for healthcare system optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify structural, organizational, and environmental factors influencing the implementation of a fatigue countermeasures program for nurses (FCMPN).
• To understand the perceptions of staff nurses and nurse managers regarding FCMPN implementation.
• To inform the development of effective fatigue management strategies in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving oral descriptions from 46 staff nurses and 8 nurse managers.
• Data collection through audiotaped interviews, followed by transcription and analysis.
• Exploration of participant experiences with a fatigue countermeasures program for nurses.

Main Results:

• Staff nurses reported benefits such as increased awareness, restfulness, and lifestyle control, facing challenges in work culture, physical environment, and emotional well-being.
• Nurse managers viewed program implementation as feasible, highlighting benefits in employee-employer partnerships and research engagement, while noting challenges in support, organizational culture, and policy alignment.
• Identified barriers and facilitators for FCMPN implementation provide insights into nursing work environments.

Conclusions:

• Fatigue countermeasures programs for nurses (FCMPN) are achievable and sustainable within healthcare settings.
• A significant shift in perspective may be necessary for robust implementation of effective FCMPNs.
• Optimizing FCMPN requires addressing systemic issues to enhance patient safety and nurse well-being.