Experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities: A scoping review

Abstract

AimTo identify the extent and type of evidence exploring the workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities.DesignScoping Review.Data SourcesFour electronic databases were systematically searched in February 2022 to identify studies discussing the experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities, published between 2012 and 2022. Google Scholar and Theses Global were also searched.Review MethodsAll search results, irrespective of their format, were uploaded to Covidence to assist with the selection of evidence. Studies discussing the experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities were included. Two reviewers conducted screening and data extraction independently, and a third reviewer resolved conflicts.ResultsSearches identified 130 studies. After screening for title and abstract, full‐text review identified 23 studies for data extraction and analysis. Data were summarized and presented in tabular form under two categories (1) workplace experiences and (2) impact in the workplace. Results were presented in a descriptive, narrative form with accompanying tables.ConclusionThe nurse or midwife can be impacted significantly by disability. Currently, little is known about the workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities. Therefore, a better understanding of the experiences of the nurse and midwives with disabilities is important to increase diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.ImpactShortage of nurses and midwives worldwide highlights the need to understand why nurses and midwives with disabilities decide to leave the profession. Further research exploring the experiences of nurses or midwives with disabilities will help identify support requirements, develop frameworks for reasonable adjustment accommodations, and assist with future workforce planning.The EQUATOR guidelines for PRISMA have been met.No Patient or Public Contribution.

Understudied phenomena and emerging methodologies in nursing and midwifery: What's new on the horizon?

“…While the crucial role of nurses in healthcare is well-acknowledged, there are several underexplored areas of nursing practice that are examined in this special issue. For example, the experiences of disabled nurses (Baker et al, 2023), nurse-led models of care (Bassah et al, 2023), and the impact of varying interferences on nurses' working memory (Hu et al, 2023). In a scoping review, Baker et al (2023) identified the varying workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities.…”

“…For example, the experiences of disabled nurses (Baker et al, 2023), nurse-led models of care (Bassah et al, 2023), and the impact of varying interferences on nurses' working memory (Hu et al, 2023). In a scoping review, Baker et al (2023) identified the varying workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities. They illuminated that nurses and midwives can be greatly affected by disability and highlighted the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across the profession (Baker et al, 2023).AscopingreviewbyBassahetal.…”

“…In a scoping review, Baker et al (2023) identified the varying workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities. They illuminated that nurses and midwives can be greatly affected by disability and highlighted the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across the profession (Baker et al, 2023).AscopingreviewbyBassahetal. ( 2023) mapped evidence in low-and middle-income countries in relation to the use of nurse-led palliative care models for adults with life-limiting illnesses.…”