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Khazaei A, Afshari A, Salimi R, Fattahi A, Imani B, Torabi M. Exploring stress management strategies among emergency medical service providers in Iran: a qualitative content analysis. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:106. [PMID: 38926678 PMCID: PMC11209986 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-01024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency medical service providers are frequently exposed to a variety of stressors as a result of their work environment. These stressors can have detrimental effects on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring stress management strategies in emergency medical service providers. METHODS This study was conducted in 2023 using a qualitative approach and content analysis method. A purposive sampling method was used to include 16 emergency medical system providers from Hamadan city. Semi-structured interviews, with a duration of 45-60 min, were conducted for data collection. The Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS The analysis of the interview data revealed three themes: readiness for the worst conditions, assistance based on supportive partnerships, and striving for balance. The six categories within these three themes were mental preparation, risk management, collaborations in emergency response, supportive communication, adaptive behaviors, and maladaptive responses. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study shed light on the various stress management strategies employed by emergency medical service providers. Understanding and implementing effective stress management strategies can not only enhance the well-being of emergency medical service providers but also improve the quality of patient care. Further research and action are essential to promote the resilience and mental health of these professionals, ensuring their overall well-being and job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Khazaei
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
| | - Ali Afshari
- Nursing Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Chronic Diseases (Home Care) Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Rasoul Salimi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abbas Fattahi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Behzad Imani
- Department of Operating Room, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Torabi
- Department of Nursing, Malayer School of Nursing, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Marzaleh MA, Peyravi M, Ahmadi E, Mahmoodi H, Shakibkhah I, Armin H. Lived experiences of Iranian prehospital emergency technicians in facing women's emergencies: a phenomenological study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:98. [PMID: 38858640 PMCID: PMC11165769 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-01019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate the work problems and challenges of male prehospital emergency technicians when faced with female medical emergencies. Given that qualitative research has not been done in this field, planning to find the weak points and improve the quality of prehospital emergency as the first line of treatment for female emergency patients, which is considered an important part of the health care system, is considered important and valuable. Therefore, this phenomenological study was conducted in 2023. METHODS This study was conducted using a qualitative method of phenomenology in 2023. The environment of the research was urban and road prehospital emergency centers in Iran and the data were collected through interviews with EMS technicians. The collected data were analyzed using Smith's approach to explain the lived experiences of EMS technicians facing female emergencies or women's emergencies in Iran. RESULTS All the 15 participants were men. Their mean age was 35 years, with a range of 25 to 45 years, and with a mean work experience of 10.54 years with a range of 4 to 20 years. The lived experiences of 115 emergency technicians in facing women's emergencies in Iran were placed in four main themes cultural-social factors, organizational factors, human resources-related factors, and administrative-legal factors. CONCLUSION EMS personnel face various obstacles in carrying out missions related to women's emergencies, Considering the critical nature of women's emergencies, it is recommended that policymakers and clinical educators improve the level of community culture, communication skills, theoretical and practical training, respecting privacy, hiring female personnel, adding specialized equipment, amending and changing laws, removing road-traffic obstacles and to support personnel, patients and their families psychologically to optimize performance in women's emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ahmadi Marzaleh
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoudreza Peyravi
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Ahmadi
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Hadi Mahmoodi
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Shakibkhah
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Armin
- Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Asadi-JabehDar R, Dashti-Kalantar R, Mehri S, Mirzaei A, Soola AH. Assessing unsafe behaviors and their relationship with work-related factors among EMS staff in Iran: a cross-sectional study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38654181 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00980-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff often encounter various safety incidents. Work-related factors can lead to unsafe behaviors and safety incidents. This study assessed unsafe behaviors and their relationship with work-related factors among EMS staff. METHODS This descriptive-correlational study used census sampling method to select 284 EMS staff in Ardabil Province, northwest of Iran, from April to June 2023. The data collection tools were demographic and occupational information form, Mearns Unsafe Behavior Scale, Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, Michielsen Fatigue Scale, and Patterson Teamwork Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSSv-16, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS The mean of unsafe behavior, fatigue, perceived stress, non-conflict of teamwork, and conflict of teamwork were 15.80 (± 4.77), 20.57 (± 6.20), 16.10 (± 6.13), 117.89 (± 17.24), and 40.60 (± 9.59), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that "partner trust and shared mental models (PTSMM)," "physical fatigue," "age," "type of shift," "employment status," and "overtime hours per month" were predictors of general unsafe behavior (P < 0.001) and "mild task conflict (MTC)," "employment status," "partner trust and shared mental models (PTSMM)" were predictors of unsafe behavior under incentives EMS staff (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The present study showed that some work-related factors were predictors of unsafe behaviors. The negative consequences of unsafe behaviors should be considered, and long-term planning should be done to reduce them. Developing specific guidelines for addressing unsafe behaviors, implementing measures to reduce fatigue, managing overtime hours in the workplace, and Establishing a system where novice staff work with experienced staff during their first year can be beneficial in reducing these behaviors among EMS staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Asadi-JabehDar
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Rajab Dashti-Kalantar
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeid Mehri
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Alireza Mirzaei
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Aghil Habibi Soola
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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Khazaei A, Afshari A, Khatiban M, Borzou SR, Oshvandi K, Nabavian M, Maddineshat M. Perceptions of professional challenges by emergency medical services providers: a qualitative content analysis study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:38. [PMID: 38448812 PMCID: PMC10916027 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00955-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency medical services (EMS) providers encounter a variety of challenges due to the unpredictable, uncontrollable, and dynamic conditions in the pre-hospital field. This study explored the perceived professional challenges among EMS providers. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted using a qualitative research approach and the method of content analysis. Eighteen EMS providers were purposively selected from EMS stations in Hamadan, Iran. The collected data were then analyzed based on the Granheim and Lundman's method. RESULTS Based on data analysis, five categories and one theme were identified. The extracted theme was professional challenges. The five categories were as follows: Ineffective policies; multicultural and multidisciplinary factors; ambulance dispatch route problems; legal issues; and abuse against the emergency medical services CONCLUSION: In general, it has been found that EMS providers encounter numerous and complex professional challenges during their work. EMS managers can utilize the findings of the present study to develop strategies for reducing the professional challenges faced by EMS providers. By doing so, they can improve the quality of care in the prehospital field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Khazaei
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Asadabad School of Medical Sciences, Asadabad, Iran
| | - Ali Afshari
- Chronic Diseases (Home Care) Research Center, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Khatiban
- Mother and Child Care Research Center, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Borzou
- Chronic Diseases (Home Care) Research Center, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Khodayar Oshvandi
- Mother and Child Care Research Center, Department of Nursing, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Majedeh Nabavian
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Maryam Maddineshat
- Department of Nursing, School of Malayer Nursing, Chronic Disease (Home Care) Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Ferkai LA, Schiszler B, Bánfai B, Pandur A, Gálos G, Kívés Z, Sipos D, Betlehem J, Stromájer-Rácz T, Deutsch K. The Occurrence of Anxiety, Depression, and Distress among Professionals Working in Emergency Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:579. [PMID: 38470690 PMCID: PMC10931366 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Maintaining mental health is essential for professions with higher stress levels and challenging environments, including emergency specializations. In this study, the occurrence of distress, anxiety, and depression among a group of ambulance and hospital emergency care professionals was assessed (n = 202). A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive online survey was conducted, including the internationally validated Beck depression inventory (BDI), the perceived stress scale (PSS-14), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, the χ2-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn-Bonferroni test, logistic regression (LR), Cramer coefficient (Cramer's V), Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs). Based on the results, female professionals are more likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3-5.1), perceived stress (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.2-4.1), and anxiety (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.0-4.1) than male professionals. Perceived stress levels decreased proportionally with increasing years spent working in healthcare (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 7.1-8.3). Extended work shifts of 12 or 24 h increase the risk of perceived stress and anxiety in emergency care workers (p = 0.02). Customized stress management interventions are needed to mitigate the amplified mental strain associated with gender, working years, and longer shifts in the emergency care sector to sustain their mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Anna Ferkai
- Faculty of Health Science, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bence Schiszler
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (B.S.); (B.B.); (J.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Bálint Bánfai
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (B.S.); (B.B.); (J.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Attila Pandur
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Department of Oxyology and Emergency Care, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Gergely Gálos
- Clinical Medical Sciences Doctoral School, University of Pécs, Szigeti Str. 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Kívés
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Insurance Institute, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty M. Str. 3, 7621 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Dávid Sipos
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Szent Imre Street 14/B, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (D.S.); (T.S.-R.)
- József Baka Diagnostic, Radiation Oncology, Research and Teaching Center, “Moritz Kaposi” Teaching Hospital, Guba Sándor Street 40, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - József Betlehem
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (B.S.); (B.B.); (J.B.); (K.D.)
| | - Tímea Stromájer-Rácz
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Szent Imre Street 14/B, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (D.S.); (T.S.-R.)
| | - Krisztina Deutsch
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary; (B.S.); (B.B.); (J.B.); (K.D.)
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Du Z, Zhang Y, Huang W, Wang T. Perceived occupational stressors among nurses in a level-1 trauma center under normalized COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control in China: A qualitative study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21066. [PMID: 37867865 PMCID: PMC10587516 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nurses in trauma centers encounter emergency patients and are exposed to occupational stressors under normalized pandemic control and prevention. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the occupational stressors that nurses perceived during the COVID-19 pandemic in a level-1 trauma center in China. Methods From December 2020 to May 2021, a qualitative study was conducted, employing conventional content analysis as the research methodology. A total of twelve nurses were purposefully selected from a trauma center at a major hospital in Beijing to participate in semi-structured interviews (40-50 min' duration). The data collected in this study were analyzed using the conventional content analysis approach proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results After analyzing the data, two themes emerged: 1) Critical conditions under normalized pandemic prevention and control; 2) Concerns about loved ones and colleagues, along with financial problems. Both these themes further revealed four categories: the complexity and uncertainty of epidemic prevention and health hazards in the former, and concerns for and from families and colleagues, and financial stress in the latter. Conclusions The results of this study provide valuable insights into the practical implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures in Chinese trauma centers and shed light on the psychological stress faced by nurses. Improving the tripartite support system of hospital, family, and society, and providing emotional support may help reduce stress among nurses, thereby improving their health and care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Du
- Trauma Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 101100, China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Trauma Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 101100, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Trauma Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 101100, China
| | - Tianbing Wang
- Trauma Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 101100, China
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Duffee B, Willis DB. Paramedic perspectives of job stress: Qualitative analysis of high-stress, high-stakes emergency medical situations. Soc Sci Med 2023; 333:116177. [PMID: 37595422 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The time from when an ambulance paramedic receives the 911 alarm notification until they have determined the differential diagnosis of a patient is highly stressful. During this time, there is a high demand placed on the paramedic, and they have a low level of control. Recent advances in prehospital care that place more responsibility on paramedics have exacerbated this high-stress phenomenon. Twenty paramedics from across the United States were interviewed and evaluated using descriptive phenomenology to better understand one of the most stressful moments of high-stakes decision-making that paramedics regularly face. Using descriptive phenomenology, we identified six categories in the paramedics' interview responses: pressure, overwhelm, emotional extremes (with sub-categories of adrenaline rush and time-dilation), dissociation, multi-tasking, and disconnect. This analysis of the paramedic's lived experience of this high-stress, high-stakes phenomenon provides insight into how paramedics experience the unique stress of this phenomenon. This understanding is key to elucidating the effects of this acute stress that may impact the judgment and, ultimately, the care performed by the paramedic. Both early- and late-career paramedics from thirteen different states in all regions of the United States were interviewed. Further qualitative data from paramedics from a diverse range of regions and backgrounds are essential to identify ways in which to ameliorate the negative effects of acute stress experienced by paramedics. Addressing such issues will reduce turnover and burnout among paramedics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Duffee
- Institute for Social Innovation Research Fellow, Fielding Graduate University, 2020 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA.
| | - David Blake Willis
- Professor of Anthropology and Education Faculty, School of Leadership Studies, Fielding Graduate University, 2020 De La Vina Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA
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Bardhan R, Byrd T. Psychosocial Work Stress and Occupational Stressors in Emergency Medical Services. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11070976. [PMID: 37046903 PMCID: PMC10093884 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11070976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergency medical service (EMS) professionals often experience work stress, which escalated during COVID-19. High job demand in the EMS profession may lead to progressive decline in physical and mental health. We investigated the prevalence of psychosocial job stress in the three levels of EMS: basic, advanced, and paramedic, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS professionals (n = 36) were recruited from EMS agencies following the Institutional Review Board approval. Participants took surveys on demographics, personal characteristics, chronic diseases, and work schedules. Job stress indicators, namely the effort–reward ratio (ERR) and overcommitment (OC), were evaluated from survey questionnaires using the effort–reward imbalance model. Associations of job stress indicators with age, sex, body mass index, and working conditions were measured by logistic regression. Psychosocial work stress was prevalent with effort reward ratio > 1 in 83% of participants and overcommitment scores > 13 in 89% of participants. Age, body mass index, and work hours showed strong associations with ERR and OC scores. The investigation findings suggested that a psychosocial work environment is prevalent among EMS, as revealed by high ERR, OC, and their correlation with sleep apnea in rotating shift employees. Appropriate interventions may be helpful in reducing psychosocial work stress in EMS professionals.
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Herttuainen A, Nordquist H. Recent Paramedic Graduates' Chronic Stress Adds Intentions to Leave the Profession: A Pilot Study Utilizing a Web-Based Survey. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2023; 60:469580231210706. [PMID: 38014634 PMCID: PMC10685760 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231210706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Paramedics have mentally and physically demanding jobs, and chronic stress is not uncommon. Recently graduated paramedics, in particular, have been identified as needing support in their early careers. This pilot study examined chronic stress experienced by recent graduate paramedics and their intentions to leave the paramedic profession. Finnish paramedics encompass qualifications to work in various nursing sectors. This pilot study was a cross-sectional survey study among Finnish paramedics who graduated less than 3 years ago and who were currently working in prehospital EMS (n = 152). They evaluated chronic organizational and operational stressors on the Emergency Medical Services Chronic Stress Questionnaire with 20 statements. Two structured questions related to the intention to leave the paramedic profession. Three summary scales were formed. The differences in stress by the intention to leave were reported descriptively and the differences were tested with Mann-Whitney U test. The influence of potential predictors of the intention to leave prehospital EMS work or the nursing sector completely were explored with a forward stepwise logistic regression model. Those who intended to leave prehospital EMS work (25%, n = 35/152) or to leave the nursing sector completely (33%, n = 50/152) experienced higher levels of stress than those without such intentions. Stress related to organizational inequity and leadership challenges was the strongest and stress related to social, health, and personal impacts was the second strongest predictor of the intention to leave. Reducing chronic stress might be important in terms of paramedic retention. Several further study needs are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hilla Nordquist
- South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Kotka, Finland
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Paramedics' perceptions of job demands and resources in Finnish emergency medical services: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1469. [PMID: 36461045 PMCID: PMC9717484 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08856-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paramedics' fatigue is rising. Stress factors show increased risk for burnout, fatigue, leaving the profession, decreased performance and risk for patient safety. Meanwhile, paramedics' strong community of practice, autonomy and a sense of professional respect are important factors in forming psychological resilience. We aimed to explore Finnish paramedics' perceptions of job demands and resources. METHODS Our study design was descriptive, inductive with a constructivist approach. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we analyse open-ended questions, from a web-based survey and essays written by Finnish paramedic masters-degree students. The study followed the SRQR checklist. RESULTS We identified paramedics' job demands as stress from a high workload, environmental factors and emotional burden. Performance expectations and a sense of inadequacy were further noted, as well as an organizational culture of hardiness, presenting lack of support and sense of inequality. Paramedics' job resources were pressure management strategies, which were expressed as positive coping mechanisms, agency to affect workload and professional self-actualization, expressed as psychologically safe work community, professional pride and internal drive to professional development. CONCLUSIONS Finnish paramedics exhibit resources and demands related to uncertainty and emotional burden as well as cultural hardiness and psychological safety in communities. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study was done based on survey data collected and analysed by the authors. No patient or public contribution was utilized for this study.
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Silva RX, Ferreira CAA, Sá GGDM, Souto RQ, Barros LM, Galindo-Neto NM. Preservation of forensic traces by Nursing in emergency services: a scoping review. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2022; 30:e3593. [PMID: 35830127 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.5849.3593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to map the scientific production on the preservation of forensic traces by Nursing professionals working in emergency services. METHOD a scoping review, with searches for studies carried out in six databases, in the gray literature available in Google Scholar and in the references of the studies selected. For analysis, the data reduction method was adopted. RESULTS 26 studies were included, organized into five categories: 1) Nursing professionals' knowledge on the preservation of forensic traces; 2) Procedures performed by Nursing to preserve traces in the victim's body; 3) Procedures performed by Nursing to preserve traces in the victim's belongings/objects; 4) Procedures performed by Nursing to document traces; and 5) Actions to maintain the chain of custody performed by Nursing. CONCLUSION the studies showed situations in which the emergency nurse may act in the preservation of forensic traces present in the victim's body and in objects, as well as in the registration of traces, verifying the role of Nursing to ensure integrity of the chain of custody, especially in situations of aggression, firearm injury, sexual violence, child abuse and assistance to trauma victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Xavier Silva
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco, Campus Pesqueira, Pesqueira, PE, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Lívia Moreira Barros
- Universidade da Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro-Brasileira, Departamento de Enfermagem, Redenção, CE, Brasil
| | - Nelson Miguel Galindo-Neto
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Pernambuco, Campus Pesqueira, Pesqueira, PE, Brasil
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The Effect of Psychological Hotwash on Resilience of Emergency Medical Services Personnel. Emerg Med Int 2021; 2021:4392996. [PMID: 34462669 PMCID: PMC8403047 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4392996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are exposed to stress. Job stress in EMS personnel can reduce their resilience and have adverse effects on their clinical performance and mental health, thus reducing the quality of their work. The present research was performed to determine the effect of psychological hotwash on resilience of emergency medical services personnel. Methods This study was a quasiexperimental. Sixty-four EMS personnel were randomly divided into two groups of hotwash and control. The psychological hotwash program was performed in the intervention group for a month based on the protocol; however, the control group continued their usual work and received no intervention. A day and six weeks after the psychological hotwash in the intervention group, the resilience of the EMS personnel was remeasured in both groups. Results Before the intervention, the participants' mean resilience score was 138.37 ± 7.04 in the intervention group and 137.34 ± 8.48 in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of resilience in the intervention and control groups a day after the intervention (P=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of resilience in the intervention and control groups 6 weeks after the intervention (P=0.102). Conclusion The EMS personnel's attendance at psychological hotwash sessions could increase their resilience. Nevertheless, the sessions should not be interrupted because the 6-week interruption of the sessions caused the nonsignificant scores of resilience in the hotwash and control groups. Hence, it is recommended to continue the investigation of the effects of hotwash on resilience, stress reduction, and job burnout reduction in EMS personnel by other researchers in different settings.
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