Perceived support at work after critical incidents and its relation to psychological distress: a survey among prehospital providers

Gouweloos-Trines, Juul; Tyler, Mark; Giummarra, Melita J.; Kassam‐Adams, Nancy; Landolt, Markus A.; Kleber, Rolf J.; Alisic, Eva

doi:10.1136/emermed-2017-206584

Cited by 30 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…well-being (Gouweloos-Trines et al, 2017;Revicki & Gershon, 1996;Shakespeare-Finch & Daley, 2017;Sterud, Hem, Ekeberg, & Lau, 2008;van der Ploeg & Kleber, 2003). The current study is distinct in that the measure of social support used here reflects personal relationships and interactions outside the workplace.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Social Support Outside the Workplace, Coping Styles, and Burnout in a Cohort of EMS Providers From Minnesota

Boland

Mink

Kamrud

et al. 2019

Workplace Health Saf

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Occupational burnout has been linked to the delivery of lower quality of care in some health care professions, including with turnover intentions and absenteeism in emergency medical services (EMS) workers. Thus, studies that identify factors associated with burnout may be integral to optimizing quality and workforce engagement among EMS professionals. A survey was conducted to assess social support outside the workplace, coping styles, and occupational burnout in a cohort of EMS providers from Minnesota. Surveys were returned by 217 providers (54% response), of which 167 had provided data on burnout, social support, and coping styles and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 41 years, 62% were male, and the prevalence of burnout was 17%. After adjustment for age and EMS tenure, the odds of burnout was higher among those characterized as socially isolated as compared with providers who were integrated socially or moderately integrated (odds ratio = 3.52; 95% confidence interval = [1.13, 10.98]). Common coping responses included planning, positive reframing, and active coping, while behavioral disengagement and denial were rarely used. Lack of social networks outside the workplace and frequent use of self-blame, food, or substance use as coping strategies were associated with burnout. Conversely, social integration and use of religion and instrumental support to cope with stressors were associated with reduced burnout.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Social Support Outside the Workplace, Coping Styles, and Burnout in a Cohort of EMS Providers From Minnesota

Boland

Mink

Kamrud

et al. 2019

Workplace Health Saf

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Some paramedics experience lengthy offload delays which render them unable to talk privately after the call as they are caring for patients in hospital hallways. Nearly 60% of paramedics surveyed (N=813) from eight Western countries said they lacked time to talk after CIs, which resulted in higher distress levels than among paramedics who felt they had adequate time (47). A previous study identified that a 30 to 60 minute break after CIs is important to paramedics and when they receive downtime after calls, rates of depression are reduced (25).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring paramedic communication and emotional expression in the workplace after responding to emergency calls

Drewitz-Chesney

2019

Australasian Journal of Paramedicine

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IntroductionParamedics are at risk of developing mental distress and disorders when exposed to traumatic calls. Several studies demonstrate that when individuals are exposed to a traumatic event, there is a correlation between a lack of social support and emotional expression, and the development of disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Unfortunately, little is known about the social support that paramedics receive from their peers, particularly in the workplace after responding to traumatic calls.Methods The study aim was to learn about peer communication and emotional expression between paramedics in the workplace, after they respond to calls. This qualitative study was guided by constructivist, grounded theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight paramedics who worked for British Columbia Emergency Health Services in Canada. ResultsTwo components of communication were described by participants: the content and logistics of peer communication. Content comprised of three types of peer communication: positive, negative and neutral, with the latter two potentially harmful to paramedics. Logistically, participants desired time to speak privately in the ambulance after calls, preferably with their regular partner or a peer with traits easing communication. These traits were identified as being comfortable with, trusting, sharing similarities and knowing one’s partner. ConclusionEmployers should facilitate positive peer communication among paramedics while considering the communication preferences described in this study. This could help to reduce rates of mental distress and disorders in paramedics.

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“…Patient death, uncertainty, managing distressed family members and witnessing acute grief reactions have all been identified as potential workplace stressors for ambulance personnel (54,55). The strategies identified in this review, including downtime (56), peer support (12,55) and the use of emotional detachment (57,58) have all previously been identified as key coping mechanisms for emergency personnel managing critical incidents. Without adequate preparation and support, it appears some ambulance personnel distance themselves from decision-making and commence or continue resuscitation in order to avoid managing a patient death and engaging with the grief of bereaved family members.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

How are Ambulance Personnel Prepared and Supported to Withhold or Terminate Resuscitation and Manage Patient Death in the Field? A Scoping Review

Anderson

Slark

Gott

2019

Australasian Journal of Paramedicine

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IntroductionResearch shows that ambulance personnel can find it challenging to withhold or terminate resuscitation and manage patient death in the field. This scoping review provides a synthesis of published research that has addressed three main questions. Each relates to ambulance personnel enacting decisions to withhold or terminate resuscitation and manage patient death: How are they prepare; what supports and coping strategies are utilised; and what preparation and support needs have been identified?MethodsUsing Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review framework this review identifies what is known and what further research is needed in this area.ResultsSixteen methodologically heterogenous papers were located. Half of the studies were conducted in the United States, with the remainder in Canada, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Ambulance personnel receive little formal training and feel unprepared to manage situations where resuscitation is unsuccessful or unwarranted, particularly communicating with family, breaking bad news and managing death scenes. These aspects of termination of resuscitation are so challenging that distancing and avoidance are sometimes used as coping strategies, even when medical futility has been established. In addition to formal counselling for personal loss and stressors, ambulance personnel value downtime and informal peer debriefing, following difficult resuscitation decisions and patient deaths.ConclusionAmbulance personnel feel inadequately prepared to withhold or terminate resuscitation and manage patient death in the field. They want more opportunities to learn about death notification, communication with bereaved families and safe, sensitive management of death scenes. More research is needed to determine how best to prepare and support ambulance personnel for the challenges of resuscitation decision-making and patient death.

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Perceived support at work after critical incidents and its relation to psychological distress: a survey among prehospital providers

Cited by 30 publications

References 21 publications

Social Support Outside the Workplace, Coping Styles, and Burnout in a Cohort of EMS Providers From Minnesota

Social Support Outside the Workplace, Coping Styles, and Burnout in a Cohort of EMS Providers From Minnesota

Exploring paramedic communication and emotional expression in the workplace after responding to emergency calls

How are Ambulance Personnel Prepared and Supported to Withhold or Terminate Resuscitation and Manage Patient Death in the Field? A Scoping Review

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