Predictors and consequences of presenteeism : a qualitative study of nurses in geriatric settings

Abstract

Background: Presenteeism usually is conceptualised as going to work despite illness. European literature predominantly focuses on the antecedents of this behaviour whereas American literature is often more concerned with related productivity losses. Presenteeism, thought to be particularly prevalent in nursing, is associated with an increased risk of future illness and sickness absence, and is costly. When people are sick, absenteeism and presenteeism are alternative courses of actions. In addition to the nature of illness and its severity, quantitative studies have revealed that various additional physical, psychological, social and organizational factors regulate the choice between the two. The precise picture, however, is not yet clear as results are inconsistent. Qualitative studies suggest that individual factors such as personal motivation, self-image, and personality warrant exploration. Many studies fail to measure absence, presenteeism, their antecedents and consequences separately, rendering the correlates of each unclear. The theoretical underpinnings of this research are limited. Qualitative research, which might provide novel angles for further enquiry, has been infrequently used. Research Question: What factors lead nurses to decide whether to attend or not attend work when ill? Aims: (1) To determine factors that nurses consider foster presenteeism and absenteeism when ill. (2) To explore the perceived consequences of presenteeism and absenteeism. Method: An exploratory, qualitative method will be used to investigate reported antecedents and consequences of presenteeism among nurses within a geriatric ward setting. Participants will be full time nurses working within short stay and long stay geriatric wards in Malta. Data will be collected via recorded semi-structured interviews with nurses in their usual place of work. These will last between 30–60 minutes. The research will employ an organizational and biopsychosocial perspective. Questions will focus on: attendance requirements; absence requirements; attendance incentives; absence incentives; and the perceived consequences of the choice between presenteeism and absenteeism. Health related and routine demographic data will be collected. Data collection and analysis will be completed by May and August 2014 respectively. Interviews will be transcribed and inputted into NVivo data management software. Thematic analysis will be employed Potential implications for research and practice: The study will contribute to the scientific literature and theoretical frameworks concerning absenteeism and presenteeism. Findings may also have practical implications for improving the occupational health and management of nurses.