ORIGINAL PAPER
Relationships of work-related psychosocial risks,
stress, individual factors and burnout – Questionnaire survey among emergency physicians and nurses
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1
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Niš, Niš, Serbia
2
University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
(Faculty of Medicine)
Online publication date: 2017-03-13
Corresponding author
Ivana M. Ilić
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Niš, Vojislava Ilića bb., 18 000 Niš, Serbia
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2017;68(2):167-78
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ABSTRACT
Background: Psychosocial risks represent a great challenge for safety and health protection at work in Europe. The purpose of this
study has been to determine the relationships of psychosocial risks arising from work, stress, personal characteristics and burnout
among physicians and nurses in the Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional
study based on a questionnaire survey which contained the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and Copenhagen
Burnout Inventory (CBI). Results: A total of 88 physicians and 80 nurses completed the survey. Physicians demonstrated
higher emotional (mean (M) ± standard deviation (SD) = 74.57±16.85) and cognitive (M±SD = 75.95±13.74) demands as compared
to nurses. Both groups had high sensory demands and responsibilities at work, in spite of the low degree of their autonomy. The
meaning of work, commitment to the workplace, and insecurity at work were high for both groups. Among all participants, stressful
behavior and reactions were within the limits of low values (< 40) and coping strategies showed high values (> 60). Personal
and patient-related burnout was high for both groups, where physicians were significantly affected by work-related burnout. The
influence at work, degree of freedom at work, social support, sense of coherence, mental health, and problem-focused coping
are negatively related to work-related burnout. Conclusions: Based on personal factors and coping styles, emergency physicians
and nurses are representing a self-selective professional group that meets high work demands, great responsibility, strong commitment
and insecurity at work. Burnout of physicians and nurses in the EMS tends to be ignored, although it has severe consequences
on their mental and general health. Med Pr 2017;68(2):167–178