This study aimed to explore the process of moral resilience among frontline healthcare professionals. By delving into experiences of handling moral challenges during a pandemic crisis, we aimed to understand dimensions of moral resilience, affecting factors and consequences. This understanding can inform the implementation of interventions to support healthcare professionals’ well-being and ability to deliver high-quality care, under both routine and extreme conditions.

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using grounded theory methodology. Data were collected retrospectively through written narratives and individual interviews (September to November 2020).

General hospital wards allocated for patients with COVID-19 in two Swedish healthcare regions.

46 informants, comprising registered nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, managers and allied health professionals.

A conceptual model is presented that describes and explains the process of moral resilience among frontline healthcare professionals working in general hospital wards during a pandemic crisis. The model reveals a complex and dynamic iterative process, with components at both the individual and system levels being inevitably inter-related.

The findings emphasise that moral resilience within healthcare organisations is not solely dependent on individual qualities but also influenced by the working groups or teams, leadership and prevailing organisational structures. Supportive interventions should target workgroup dynamics and organisational culture while providing tailored support for individuals.

Digital documentation in patients’ electronic medical records (EMRs) places new demands on perioperative nurses, increasing workload and cognitive strain, with subsequent technostress. While new EMR systems are implemented, they are not always adapted to users’ needs.

This study aimed to explore how perioperative nurses and nursing assistants describe their experiences with electronic documentation during surgery and its impact on their work environment. Additionally, it examined the emotional reactions these experiences triggered, and the adaptive strategies used to manage their effects.

A qualitative study was conducted. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.

Two university hospitals and one county hospital in Sweden were included.

15 women and 5 men, including 9 specialist nurses in anaesthesia care, 9 nurses in operating room (OR) care and 2 nursing assistants in OR care in Sweden participated.

Two main themes emerged: A—Introducing digital systems without a clear aim undermines work performance and B—Digital systems were embraced when automation and comfort were present. Subthemes included leadership and management, possibilities to develop and influence digital systems and EMRs not adapted to clinical needs. Automation from digital systems made work easier, and digital systems within one’s comfort zone were appreciated. However, frustration and stress arose when aforementioned preconditions were not fulfilled, leading to adjustments to manage these challenges.

Digital documentation is appreciated when fundamental conditions are met. A lack of clarity on how, what and why to document, along with insufficient training and limited ability to have an influence, triggers negative emotional reactions and unhealthy coping strategies. To enhance digital literacy, a standardised process of digital systems including digital documentation through educational efforts in which knowledge control in educational purposes is included could be tested as a potential solution.