Perspectives of Registered Nurses on refugee healthcare in Lebanon and Jordan (PROfILE): A multi-site cross-sectional...

This is a study protocol to investigate nurses' perspectives on refugee health care in two countries. The aims are to: (a) explore self-reported work environment factors, including work stressors, self-rated leadership, staffing and resources adequacy, and teamwork among Jordanian and Lebanese nurses caring for refugees; (b) investigate the relationship between nurse related outcomes (physical health; emotional exhaustion) and their psychosocial work environment; and (c) assess the association between nurses' perceived work environment factors and implicit rationing of care and quality of patient care.

Globally, the care of refugees is achieving increased attention. Over 6.3 million people are internally displaced and 4.8 million recorded Syrian expatriates are residing in and receiving healthcare services in the neighbouring host countries.

This is a cross-sectional, comparative study using a survey design.

The study setting involves both private and public hospitals and primary healthcare centres that provide care to refugees on regular basis in Lebanon and Jordan. The estimated sample size includes 3,000 Registered Nurses from Lebanon and 2,500 nurses and midwives from Jordan.

Workplace factors affecting quality of nursing care and psychosocial status of nurses caring for refugees will be identified. Potential findings will help leaders design interventions to support nurses who are serving refugees for safer care and better patient outcomes. Findings will assist in more efficient resource allocation and management.

New knowledge on the impact of providing health care for refugees will be generated based on the structure of nursing care (e.g., work environment), on the nursing process (e.g., implicit rationing of care), and nurse outcomes (health) in two hosting communities. Moreover, factors enabling resilience in patients, providers, and systems will be identified and be of potential use in addressing the growing global problem of caring for displaced persons.