[Workload and Mental Health of Nursing Staff in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic-a Scoping Review]

Background: In March 2023, there was no comprehensive overview of job demands, resources, and mental health consequences for nurses in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of country-specific differences with regard to the course/management of the pandemic and the organization of the healthcare system, data from Germany were analyzed specifically.

Methods: A systematic search in databases (PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO) yielded 50 relevant studies that were included in the scoping review.

Results: The studies were based on cross-sectional designs, mostly from the hospital setting and the first year of the pandemic. Frequently investigated job demands were work intensification, lack of protective equipment, rapidly changing regulations, contact with COVID-19 patients, and pandemic-related worries/anxieties. Pandemic phase and setting-specific demand cascades became clear. Frequently examined mental health problems (including stress experience, anxiety, depression, burnout, and intention to change career/job) were higher in groups with higher levels of reported job demands. Nurses generally reported less favorable values than medical professionals. Social support, reward/appreciation, humor, resilience, and sense of coherence proved to be resources.

Conclusion: In preparation for further pandemics and crises, pre-pandemic job demands should be reduced through targeted measures and relevant resources should be strengthened. Pandemic-specific job demands should be systematically reflected and cross-organizational solutions developed. Longitudinal studies using validated instruments and intervention studies should be the focus of future research funding.