Conference presentation
I don't believe it's burnout: A descriptive qualitative study of ED staff perceptions' of their working environment
International Conference for Emergency Nurses (ICEN), 17th (Adelaide, Australia, 16-Oct-2019–18-Oct-2019)
2019
Abstract
Introduction: Occupational stress is of interest to a variety of professional groups (e.g. teaching, policing, healthcare (1,2)). Research specific to the perception of emergency department staff of their working environment and occupational stressors is only beginning to emerge. Given ongoing increases in ED presentations, exposure to violence, and high risk of burnout, it is important to continue to explore and understand which aspects of work ED staff find stressful, and how this impacts on their perception of the working environment.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore ED clinicians (nurses and doctors) perception of their working environment and their perceived occupational stressors.
Methods: Twelve semi-structured descriptive interviews with clinicians working in a public teaching hospital ED in south-east QLD were conducted. Thematic analysis was undertaken of the data.
Results: Participants described a variety of occupational stressors including, inter-departmental communication breakdown, volume of documentation, poor physical and human resourcing and high workloads. An overarching theme of ‘demoralization’ emerged. This was underpinned by four sub-themes; lack of resourcing, inadequate of support, mis-match between staff, oganisational and societal expectations and departmental workload/activity. Participants commonly cited feeling ‘frustrated’ when exposed to occupational stressors.
Conclusion: Stressors reported by participants in this study mirror many of those noted in the literature. This study adds to the body of literature in this area, identifying a theme of demoralisation experienced by some ED staff . These findings can be used to inform the development of potential strategies to ameliorate stressors and or enhance coping within the ED working environment.
Details
- Title
- I don't believe it's burnout: A descriptive qualitative study of ED staff perceptions' of their working environment
- Authors
- Elizabeth Elder (Author) - Griffith UniversityAmy Johnston (Author) - The University of QueenslandMarianne Wallis (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - LegacyJulia Crilly (Author) - Griffith University
- Conference details
- International Conference for Emergency Nurses (ICEN), 17th (Adelaide, Australia, 16-Oct-2019–18-Oct-2019)
- Date published
- 2019
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99513786802621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
Metrics
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