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

Abstract

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.

Perceptions of EMS leaders and supervisors on the challenges faced by female paramedics in Riyadh Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

“…Cañadas-De la Fuente et al (2015) stated that healthcare settings, including paramedic disciplines, are highly exposed to burnout through exposure to emotionally traumatic incidents, patient deaths, as well as other incidents that cause burnout. Boland et al (2019) found that female paramedics had higher emotional expression than male paramedics, especially in challenging situations, which is supported by the data in the current study. However, this may not necessarily be the case, as a recent Saudi study reported that 82.6% of male Saudi Arabian paramedics were exposed to burnout and looked forward to being off duty (Almutairi and Mahalli, 2020).…”

Starting ambulance care professionals and critical incidents: a qualitative study on experiences, consequences and coping strategies

“…Seeking support in their own social network has been reported, although this study also reported on ambulance care professionals feeling misunderstood by their social network [ 19 ]. When social support is lacking, ambulance care professionals face increased risks for psychological consequences [ 29 ]. To optimize support as coping style in the EMS organization, peer supporters could be implemented.…”

Subjective and objective demands on different types of differential stress inventory

“…In a study of students, social support was associated with resilience to stress (Park et al 2015 ). In contrast, low social support outside the workplace was associated with more burnout (Boland et al 2019 ). Resilience and social support were not investigated in this study, which is a limitation.…”