Development and Implementation of a Multidimensional Narrative Support System for Emergency Nurses: An Action Research

Abstract

Background. Emergency nurses may experience various fatiguing duties and suffer more pressure, so it is necessary to promote their professional or work-related quality of life, especially during tough periods. Aim. To describe the development of the multidimensional narrative support system and explore its effectiveness and feasibility among emergency nurses. Design. An action research was conducted in Shanghai, China, from 2022 to 2023. Methods. Two cycles of action research were adopted in the emergency departments of two tertiary general hospitals in Shanghai, China. A total of 20 and 13 emergency nurses from different posts participated in each cycle. Multiple methods and tools, such as validated instruments, self-designed questionnaires, and individual and focus group interviews, were used to collect short- and long-term data. The EQUATOR guidelines on reporting action research were used as the guideline for this study. Results. The multidimensional narrative support system was gradually modified to promote its feasibility. Involved emergency nurses actively participated in different activities and proposed relatively positive and satisfying remarks. Quantitative data showed the significantly instant or long-lasting improvements in emergency nurses’ professional and work-related quality of life, as well as their self-compassion, and perceived social support. Various categories were summarized about the participants’ experiences, perceived long-term effects, and suggestions on the multidimensional narrative support system. Conclusion. The multidimensional narrative support system integrates narrative methods and psychological activities and provides multidimensional support for emergency nurses. In spite of various challenges, the system shows good feasibility and significant influences on emergency nurses’ well-being and quality of life. Implications for Nursing Management. The multidimensional narrative support system may action as a novel intervention for the overall improvements of clinical emergency nurses, which can be recommended to other populations with targeted modifications and training, so as to achieve good generalization in different departments.