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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Review

Mapping the peer-reviewed literature on accommodating nurses’ return to work after leaves of absence for mental health issues: a scoping review

Authors: Christine L. Covell, Shamel Rolle Sands, Kenchera Ingraham, Melanie Lavoie-Tremblay, Sheri L. Price, Carol Reichert, Ivy L. Bourgeault

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

The complexity of nursing practice increases the risk of nurses suffering from mental health issues, such as substance use disorders, anxiety, burnout, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can potentially lead to nurses taking leaves of absence and may require accommodations for their return to work. The purpose of this review was to map key themes in the peer-reviewed literature about accommodations for nurses’ return to work following leaves of absence for mental health issues.

Methods

A six-step methodological framework for scoping reviews was used to summarize the amount, types, sources, and distribution of the literature. The academic literature was searched through nine electronic databases. Electronic charts were used to extract code and collate the data. Findings were derived inductively and summarized thematically and numerically.

Results

Academic literature is scarce regarding interventions for nurses’ return to work following leaves of absence for mental health issues, and most focused on substance use concerns. Search of the peer-reviewed literature yielded only six records. The records were primarily quantitative studies (n = 4, 68%), published between 1997 and 2018, and originated in the United States (n = 6, 100%). The qualitative thematic findings addressed three major themes: alternative to discipline programs (ADPs), peer support, and return to work policies, procedures, and practices.

Conclusions

While the literature supports alternative to discipline programs as a primary accommodation supporting return to work of nurses, more on the effectiveness of such programs is required. Empirical evidence is necessary to develop, maintain, and refine much needed return to work accommodations for nurses after leaves of absence for mental health issues.

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Title: Mapping the peer-reviewed literature on accommodating nurses’ return to work after leaves of absence for mental health issues: a scoping review
Authors: Christine L. Covell
Shamel Rolle Sands
Kenchera Ingraham
Melanie Lavoie-Tremblay
Sheri L. Price
Carol Reichert
Ivy L. Bourgeault
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-020-00478-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Mapping the peer-reviewed literature on accommodating nurses’ return to work after leaves of absence for mental health issues: a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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