Experiences of team collaboration among intensive care nurses during COVID-19: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis
Abstract
Objective: This study included qualitative studies and employed a meta-synthesis to assess the support, challenges, and coping strategies related to teamwork among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses during the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Design: Qualitative meta-synthesis.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The search period covered from inception to December 11, 2025. The study employed the three-stage thematic synthesis approach by Thomas and Harden, aided by the NVivo 14 software.
Findings: A total of 48 qualitative studies were included, and six main themes with thirteen sub-themes were identified: (1) the support and understanding received from colleagues, the team, and management; (2) interpersonal unfamiliarity and tension; (3) instability in the team structure; (4) managerial inadequacies; (5) team adaptability; (6) empowered teamwork.
Conclusion: Beyond the need for psychological support from colleagues, the team, and management, it was found that strengthening organizational resilience was key to improving teamwork.
Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261281080, identifier PROSPERO (CRD420261281080).
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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