[Effective interventions to reduce absenteeism among hospital nurses]

Abstract

Objectives: To select and summarize the interventions that have proved effective in reducing absenteeism among hospital nurses.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted through a literature search using Medline, Web of Science, Cinahl, Embase, Lilacs, Cuiden and Cochrane Library Plus databases. Of a total of 361 articles extracted, 15 were finally selected for this review.

Results: The implementation of multifaceted support or physical training programs can produce positive results in terms of reducing absenteeism among hospital nurses. Cognitive-behavioral type interventions require studies with larger samples to provide conclusive results. Establishing more flexible working shifts may also reduce absenteeism rates, although again studies with larger samples are needed. Programs aimed at managing change developed by nurses themselves, participatory management of professional relations, the support provided by supervisors who are opposed to hierarchical leadership styles, and wage supplements that reward the lack of absence can also reduce these types of indicators.

Conclusions: Absenteeism can be considered as a final result and a consequence of the level of job satisfaction. The effectiveness of interventions to reduce absenteeism among hospital nurses will no doubt largely depend on the ability of these interventions to increase the job satisfaction of these workers.

Keywords: Absenteeism; Absentismo; Gerencia; Human resources; Investigación en administración de enfermería; Job satisfaction; Management; Nursing administration research; Recursos humanos; Satisfacción en el trabajo.