REVIEW

The effectiveness of current approaches to workplace stress management in the nursing profession: an evidence based literature review

C Mimura, P Griffiths

Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s College London, UK

Correspondence to:
Dr P Griffiths, Primary and Intermedicate Care Section, Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s College London, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8WA, UK;
peter.griffiths{at}kcl.ac.uk

The effectiveness of current approaches to workplace stress management for nurses was assessed through a systematic review. Seven randomised controlled trials and three prospective cohort studies assessing the effectiveness of a stress management programmes were identified and reviewed. The quality of research identified was weak. There is more evidence for the effectiveness of programmes based on providing personal support than environmental management to reduce stressors. However, since the number and quality of studies is low, the question as to which, if any, approach is more effective cannot be answered definitively. Further research is required before clear recommendations for the use of particular interventions for nursing work related stress can be made.

Keywords: occupational stress; evaluation; systematic review; nursing; evidence based practice

Abbreviations: MD, mean difference; PCS, prospective cohort study; RCT, randomised controlled trial

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