Deployment of perioperative nurses from their clinical specialty during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review

Aim: To identify the available records surrounding the deployment of perioperative nurses into differing clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Design: Integrative review methodology. 

Methods: Quality appraisal of each record was conducted using a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were extracted and presented based on outlined research objectives. 

Data Sources: Six electronic databases (CINAHL Plus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched, with relevant peer-reviewed records published after 2019 until February 2025 included to differentiate from other respiratory pandemics. 

Results: Ten records were included in the review. Opposing discourse exists between perioperative decision makers and those perioperative nurses who underwent deployment to differing clinical areas surrounding perceptions and experiences of deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Conclusion: Few studies exist exploring experiences of perioperative nurse deployment to a different clinical area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is vital to develop strategies that enhance the deployment process and ensure effective patient care across various clinical settings when cared for by deployed perioperative nurses. 

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Further research exploring transferable perioperative nursing skills and its subsequent influence on safe patient care may enhance and inform nurse deployment practices, enriching future staffing protocols in the event of a future pandemic. 

Reporting Method: PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews guided this review. 

Patient or Public Contribution: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting.