Many healthcare professionals experienced adverse emotional and psychological outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey of 665 health system pharmacists found that pharmacists working in settings with higher levels of workplace wellness support were less likely to experience depression, anxiety, or burnout, and report higher levels of professional quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This survey of 771 critical care nurses found that 40% had at least one symptom of depression and nearly half experienced some degree of anxiety. Nurses with poor physical or mental health reported making more medical errors than their healthier counterparts and nurses in supportive workplaces were more likely to have better physical and mental health. The authors suggest that improvements in an organization’s health and wellness support programs could result in fewer reported medical errors. Notably, this study was completed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to an even further decline in nurse wellness. 

Although the practice of evidence-based medicine is an important strategy for improving the safety and quality of health care, consistent use of known best practices does not occur. In this study, researchers sought to assess nurse competency throughout the United States across 13 evidence-based practice competencies for nurses as well as 11 additional competencies for advanced practice nurses. They administered an anonymous online survey and received responses from 2344 nurses across 19 hospitals or health systems. In general, nurses reported a lack of competency across all 24 domains, but younger nurses and those with more training reported better competency. A recent PSNet interview discussed the role of nurses with regard to patient safety and outcomes.

… between nursing workforce issues and safety. … Melnyk BM, Orsolini L, Tan A, et al. A National Study Links …

… culture can improve health care quality and safety. … Melnyk BM. Achieving a high-reliability organization through …

… practice to implement a rapid response team . … Gallagher-Ford L, Fineout-Overholt E, Melnyk BM, Stillwell SB. Rolling out the …