Work stress in emergency medical technicians
Article Abstract:
Employment in jobs were emergency situations are frequent can create work stresses that can limit the length of time one can spend in these jobs. Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion often lead to a 'burnout' syndrome, characterized by the loss of interest in all aspects of the work. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) score high on the list of occupations with potential burnout. These workers are exposed to accidental, hazardous, hostile, uncontrolled, and high risk situations where they may be required to make a rapid, critical, and often irreversible decisions. All these factors contribute to the stress of the position and the high turnover rate. Administrative support is frequently minimal, non-professional, and often non-supportive. The factors contributing to burnout among EMTs were reviewed and analyzed in this study. Two hundred Michigan EMTs, who active members of their labor union, constituted the basic study group. Each completed three self-administered questionnaires: the Staff Burnout Scale for Health Professionals (SBS-HP); the Occupational Stress Inventory (OSI), a series of three parts, concentrating on occupational stress, personal strain, and coping resources; and a EMT survey prepared for this particular study. The average SBS-HP score was 83.3, on a scale of 20 to 140, with the highest number indicating severe burnout. The results of the OSI suggests significant occupational stress levels in all three sections. Attitudinal responses indicated concern about infectious disease exposure, hours, low pay, station conditions, inadequate equipment, and poor treatment by other emergency service personnel. The results of this study indicate the need for a more extensive, nationwide evaluation of these issues and the development of intervention strategies to diminish some of the job concerns, improve the employee outlook, and reduce employee turnover. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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Attitudes and behaviors of medical technologists as a result of AIDS
Article Abstract:
In 1988, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists conducted a survey to identify the reasons for shortages of medical technologists. Some of the reasons were poor pay scales, lack of upward mobility, job stress, poor working conditions, lack of professional recognition, and greater opportunities in parallel areas with the same educational requirements. Retention efforts are essential to replace the usual losses through attrition, retirement, and promotion, and to meet the needs of increased service demands. The addition of AIDS testing, and the fear of the disease, has added to the reasons for the losses and lack of new interest in employment in these areas. A survey questionnaire was developed to determine the influence of AIDS on laboratory and medical technologist recruitment as well as other items that could influence their decisions. The device was tested and administered to attendants at a medical technologists meeting. Out of the 283 distributed, 212 questionnaires were returned. Approximately one quarter indicated their intent to leave the profession. Individuals who indicated their intent to remain in the field indicated less fear of AIDS and greater satisfaction with institutional AIDS safety efforts. They also rejected AIDS as a valid reason for the decline in employment in this area. Fear of AIDS, as a reason for declining interest, was not the sole reason indicated, but was part of a complex of other job- related issues for those who were intending to leave the field. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Occupational Medicine
Subject: Health care industry
ISSN: 0096-1736
Year: 1991
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