Polish Emergency Dispatchers During a COVID-19 Pandemic - Burnout Syndrome, Perceived Stress, and Self-Efficacy. Effects of Multidimensional Path Analysis

The Silent Burden: Investigating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Isolation Among Healthcare Workers During COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and paramedics. This study investigates the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the impact of social ostracism on psychological distress among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Poland, with a focus on exploring the interplay between professional and social factors contributing to their stress. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 2021 and February 2022 with 852 HCWs from four Polish provinces. PTSD symptoms were measured using the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and social ostracism was assessed through a custom-designed questionnaire. Results: Of the participants, 14.1% reported experiencing social ostracism, and 4.9% observed such experiences among colleagues. Those who experienced or witnessed ostracism reported significantly higher PTSD symptoms (p < 0.001). Concerns about personal health and the well-being of older individuals were strongly associated with increased PTSD severity, while concerns for household members were not. Conclusions: Social ostracism exacerbates the psychological burden on healthcare workers, contributing to higher levels of PTSD. This study highlights the need for targeted mental health interventions and support systems, including resilience training and stigma reduction initiatives, to address these challenges. Future research should explore cross-national comparisons and long-term psychological effects among diverse healthcare populations.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the mental health of emergency and urgent call-handlers and dispatchers

BACKGROUND

Call-handlers and dispatchers (CHDs) working in specialized emergency and urgent communication centres are essential in supporting public safety and health. Evidence suggests that these professionals are at increased risk of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse among other conditions; however, reliable prevalence estimates remain undetermined.

AIMS

We provide the estimated pooled prevalence for PTSD, depression, anxiety and hazardous drinking among emergency and urgent CHDs globally.

METHODS

We searched 10 electronic databases, grey literature and the Annals of Emergency Dispatch and Response. Eligible studies reported original quantitative data and used validated self-reported measures on the prevalence of mental health conditions of interest (i.e. PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol use) within CHD professionals. Three reviewers independently screened results for eligibility. Prevalence estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 16 857 references were retrieved. From these, 183 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 37 articles were included in this systematic review, and 13 articles provided necessary quantitative information for meta-analyses. In total, 7759 CHDs were considered across nine different countries. The overall pooled prevalence for PTSD was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.4-24.0%), depression was 28.2% (95% CI 20.7-36.2%), anxiety was 17.2% (95% CI 6.6-31.5%) and hazardous drinking was 17.8% (95% CI 6.9-32.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate CHDs are at significant risk of mental health problems. Further quantitative and qualitative research is warranted to help understand the psychological risks of working as a CHD and guide appropriate psychological support.

Mental Health Risk Factors Related to COVID-19 among Canadian Public Safety Professionals

Public safety personnel (PSP) are known to experience difficult and demanding occupational environments, an environment that has been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Firefighters, paramedics, and public safety communicators were among the front-line workers that continued to serve the public throughout the course of the pandemic. The present study considered the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-reported symptoms of mental health challenges in Canadian firefighters, paramedics, and public safety communicators. Participants were firefighters (n = 123), paramedics (n = 246), and public safety communicators (n = 48), who completed an online survey, including demographics, questions related to COVID-19 exposure and worry, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Social Interaction Phobia Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5. Results revealed that risk factors for increased mental health symptom reporting were paramedic occupation, self-identified female, younger in age, COVID-19 personal contact, requirement to self-isolate, and self-perception of COVID-19 contraction (without confirmation through testing). The COVID-19 pandemic should be considered a risk factor for increased mental health symptom reporting in PSP.

Profiles of Burnout, Job Demands and Personal Resources among Emergency Call-Takers and Dispatchers

According to scientific research, emergency call-takers and dispatchers are particularly vulnerable to burnout syndrome. There are no data describing specific burnout patterns or allowing for the definition of subgroups of workers who are particularly at risk. The aim of this research was to apply a person-oriented approach to characterize burnout profiles using job-related variables and personal resources. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted on 553 call-takers and dispatchers aged between 19 and 65, from 14 public safety answering points in Poland. The Link Burnout Questionnaire, the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and an independent questionnaire were used to gather information. K-means cluster analysis was used, which allowed us to highlight three distinct burnout risk profiles: high risk of burnout, without full-blown pattern of burnout with high inefficacy, and no risk of burnout with an increased sense of disappointment. Several variables which coexisted with occupational burnout included work experience, weekly working hours, intensity of perceived stress, and self-efficacy level. The application of a person-oriented approach made it possible to identify groups of call takers characterized by a high risk of burnout syndrome, and to indicate the areas in which preventive measures, focused on each of their specific needs, should be taken.