The causative factors of psychological distress and mental ill-health among ICU nurses during the pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic had a global impact on health systems and health professionals. Nurses, particularly those working in intensive care units (ICUs), held a central critical role in the care of COVID-19 patients, facing numerous challenges in the delivery of care, leading to significant psychological and mental health issues. This article reports on findings from a qualitative narrative review of the literature related to psychological ill-being and mental health of ICU nurses' during the pandemic. Four key themes emerged: (1) isolation (2) workload (3) clinical preparedness and lack of protocols and (4) fear.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; ICU nurses; Mental health; Nursing practice; Psychological distress.