Post-Pandemic Stress and Rapid Technological Shifts Among ICU Staff: Basis for a Training Program Recommendation

This study explored the association between post-pandemic stress, coping strategies, and the perceived effects of technological changes among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in selected tertiary hospitals in Davao del Norte. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design with comparative analysis was adopted, and all eligible ICU nurses were included through total population sampling. Data were obtained using three established instruments: the Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, weighted means, standard deviations, Pearson correlations, and comparative statistical tests. The results indicated that ICU nurses continued to experience moderate post-pandemic stress despite the easing of the public health crisis. Task-oriented coping emerged as the primary strategy for managing stress, while avoidance-oriented and emotion-oriented coping were used less frequently. The findings also showed that technological advancements influenced nursing practice, with performance expectancy receiving the highest ratings, whereas effort expectancy suggested that some nurses still encountered challenges in using new technologies. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of strengthening stress management programs and providing continuous digital skills training to help ICU nurses adapt effectively to evolving healthcare technologies while maintaining their well-being and quality of patient care.