Patient safety and job-related stress: A focus group study
Abstract
Summary This study focused on work-related stress among nurses working with
critically ill patients. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of workrelated
stress with regard to patient safety. The study uses a qualitative design based
on focus group interviews with nurses who work with acute, critically ill patients
in hospitals. Two regional hospitals were chosen. Inclusion criteria for the focus
group panels included the following: nurses with advanced training in anesthesiology,
intensive care, or operating-room nursing. Twenty-three nurses were chosen and
they were divided into four groups. This study shows that a demanding work environment
together with minimal control and social support from colleagues results
in increased stress that can often have an effect on patient safety.
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