A Concept Analysis of Change Fatigue Among Nurses Based on Walker and Avant's Method

Abstract

Background: Change is prevalent in nursing environments and often leads to change fatigue among nurses while aiming to improve service quality and efficiency. Change fatigue is a significant stressor affecting nurses' work and psychology, and it is a crucial factor influencing organizational change. However, the concept of change fatigue among nurses has not yet been clearly defined or analyzed. Aim: This analysis aims to differentiate, clarify, and clearly identify the specific concept of change fatigue among nurses, which will provide nursing administrators and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the concept of change fatigue among nurses, ultimately facilitating relevant measurements and interventions. Methods: This study employed Walker and Avant's concept analysis method. Results: A total of 29 papers were included in the study. The four defining attributes of change fatigue among nurses were identified as nurses' exposure to constant change, exhaustion, decreased agency, and passive acceptance of change. Antecedents were categorized into nurses' personal factors and those related to the organizational environment. The consequences of change fatigue were distinguished between individual-level and organizational-level impacts. Conclusions: This study provides a clearer understanding of the concept of change fatigue among nurses by outlining its antecedents, attributes, and consequences. An operational definition and conceptual understanding of change fatigue will aid future research in developing effective prevention strategies.

Keywords: change fatigue; concept analysis; nurses; organizational change.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of the study selection process.

Figure 2

Change fatigue concept analysis diagram.