Levels and influencing factors of mental workload among intensive care unit nurses: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Aim The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the levels and influencing factors of mental workload in intensive care unit nurses. Background Intensive care unit nurses have a high mental workload level. To our knowledge, no meta‐analytic research investigating the levels of mental workload in intensive care unit nurses and related factors has yet been performed. Design This article is a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods Eleven electronic databases were searched from the database setup dates until 31 December 2022. The research team independently conducted study selection, quality assessments, data extractions and analysis of all included studies. The PRISMA guideline was used to guide reportage of the systematic review and meta‐analysis. Results Seventeen studies were included. In these studies, the pooled mean score of mental workload was 68.07 (95%CI:64.39–71.75). Furthermore, subgroup analyses indicated that intensive care unit nurses' mental workload differed significantly by countries, sample size and publication year. The mental workload influential factors considered were demographic, work‐related and psychological factors. Conclusion Hospital administrators should develop interventions to reduce mental workload to enhance the mental health of intensive care unit nurses and nursing care quality. Hospital managers should pay attention to the mental health of nurses and guide them to correctly relieve occupational stress and reduce mental workload.