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THE IMPACT OF WORKING CONDITIONS ON STRESS AND ITS EFFECTS IN THE GROUP OF PARAMEDICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Corresponding Author(s) : Katarzyna Wojtysiak
Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews,
Vol. 9 No. 4 (2021): July
Abstract
Purpose: This is a review to assess the working conditions that affect the stress level of paramedics and their ability to cope with stress. The profession of a paramedic is characterized by constant contact with other people and exposure to many factors, including biological (HIV, flu virus), chemical (causing allergic reactions, burns) physical (noise, low or excessive temperature), psychosocial (aggression, violence, traumatic experiences).
Methodology: This is a Systematic review paper. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar search were used to analyze the problem. The following keywords were used to search for information sources: paramedic, working conditions, medical rescue, ambulance, stress, coping with stress. Articles were selected according to the impact of working conditions on stress and its consequences among the group of paramedics.
Main Findings: The work of a rescuer is a constant action under the influence of a high level of stress and emotions, caused by an unforeseen sequence of events and time pressure. The long-term presence of negative factors is the cause of the appearance of burnout syndrome, rumination, PTSD, and somatic symptoms related to stress in the workplace. It can result in a deterioration of the quality of patient care.
Implications of this study: The above results should be taken into account by units of the emergency medical care system. The paper indicates the occurrence of negative psychological effects of work-related stress and as a consequence the need to train the personnel in the field of stress-coping techniques and to provide emergency medical service workers with mental health monitoring and psychological care in the workplace.
Novelty in this study: There is a lack of systematic reviews of the impact of working conditions on the mental health of workers in emergency medical care services. The paper is an attempt to assess the impact of working conditions on stress and its effects on the group of paramedics and other emergencies medical care system employees.
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- Lawn, S., Roberts, L., Willis, E., Couzner, L., Mohammadi, L., & Goble, E. (2020). The effects of emergency medical service work on the psychological, physical, and social well-being of ambulance personnel: a systematic review of qualitative research. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02752-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02752-4
- Binczycka-Anholcer, M., & Lepiesza, P. (2011). Stres na stanowisku pracy ratownika medycznego. Hygeia Public Health, 46(4), 455-461.
- Dopelt, K., Wacht, O., Strugo, R., Miller, R., & Kushnir, T. (2019). Factors that affect Israeli paramedics’ decision to quit the profession: A mixed-methods study. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 8(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-019-0346-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-019-0346-0
- Dow, D. M. (2018). Exploring Stress in EMS: A Challenge, Occupational Hazard, and Barrier: A Qualitative Study [Doctoral dissertation, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.
- Dudek, B. (2003). Zaburzenie po stresie traumatycznym. Gdańskie Wydawnictwo Psychologiczne.
- Duschek, S., Bair, A., Haux, S., Garrido, A., & Janka, A. (2020). Stress in paramedics: relationships with coping strategies and personality traits. International Journal of Emergency Services, 9(2), 203-216. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-06-2019-0029 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-06-2019-0029
- Forster, C. (2020). Could mindfulness activity improve occupational health in UK paramedics? Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(5), 186-192. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.186 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.186
- Givati, A., Markham, C., & Street, K. (2018). The bargaining of professionalism in emergency care practice: NHS paramedics and higher education. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 23(2), 353-369. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-017-9802-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-017-9802-1
- Hayes, C., Corrie, I., & Graham, Y. (2020). Paramedic emotional labour during COVID-19. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(8), 319-323. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.8.319 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.8.319
- Ilczak, T., Rak, M., Ćwiertnia, M., Mikulska, M., Waksmańska, W., Krakowiak, A., Bobiński, R., & Kawecki, M. (2021). Predictors of stress among emergency medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 34(2), 139-149. https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01688 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01688
- Jakubowska, A., Żuralska, R., & Mziray, M. (2017). Ocena satysfakcji z życia w grupie zawodowej pielęgniarek/pielęgniarzy Gdańskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego oraz ratowników/ratowniczek medycznych województwa pomorskiego. Pielęgniarstwo i Zdrowie Publiczne [Nursing and Public Health], 7(4), 279–284. https://doi.org/10.17219/pzp/76717 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17219/pzp/76717
- Jasielska, A., & Ziarko, M. (2019). General specific individual post-traumatic stress disorder-related mechanisms among paramedics. Medycyna Pracy, 70(1). https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00757 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00757
- Jonsson, A., Segesten, K., & Mattsson, B. (2003). Post-traumatic stress among Swedish ambulance personnel. Emergencine Medicine Journal, 20, 79–84. https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.20.1.79 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.20.1.79
- Khan, W., Jackson, M., Conduit, R., & Kennedy, G. (2018). The effect of shift-work and sleep disorders on the mental health of Victorian paramedics. Journal of Sleep Research, 27. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.63_12766 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.63_12766
- Kołodziej, B. (2011). Potrzeba wsparcia psychologicznego ratowników medycznych w kontekście wsparcia psychologicznego funkcjonariuszy policji i straży pożarnej. Journal of Ecology and Health, 15(1), 35–38.
- Kucmin, T., Kucmin, A., Turska, D., Turski, A., & Nogalski, A. (2018). Coping styles and dispositional optimism as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms intensity in paramedics. Psychiatria Polska, 52(3), 557-571. https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/68514 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/68514
- Leszczynski, P. (2014). Analiza kompetencji zawodowych ratowników medycznych w wybranych jednostkach ratowniczych [Analysis of professional competences of medical rescuers in selected emergency services]. Edukacja Ustawiczna Dorosłych, 4(83), 71–82.
- Ogińska-Bulik, N. (2014). Rola strategii radzenia sobie ze stresem w rozwoju po traumie u ratowników medycznych. Medycyna Pracy, 65(2), 209-217. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.2014.024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12775/PBE.2014.019
- Ogińska-Bulik, N., & Juczyński, Z. (2016). Ruminacje jako wyznaczniki negatywnych i pozytywnych konsekwencji doświadczonych zdarzeń traumatycznych u ratowników medycznych. Medycyna Pracy, 67(2), 201-211. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00321 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00321
- Ostrowska, M., & Michcik, A. (2014). Stres w pracy – objawy, konsekwencje, przeciwdziałanie. Bezpieczeństwo Pracy, 5, 12–15.
- Rybojad, B., Aftyka, A., Baran, M., & Rzońca, P. (2016). Risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in Polish paramedics: A pilot study. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 50(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.j emermed.2015.06.030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.06.030
- Talarowska, M., Florkowski, A., Wachowska, K., & Gałecki, P. (2011). Stres a debriefing–definicje i aktualne kontrowersje. Current Problems of Psychiatry, 12(2), 132–136.
- The State Medical Rescue Act 2006 (pl.).
- Vanhaecht, K., Seys, D., Bruyneel, L., Cox, B., Kaesemans, G., Cloet, M., van den Broeck, K., Cools, O., de Witte, A., Lowet, K., Hellings, J., Bilsen, J., Lemmens, G., & Claes, S. (2021). COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 33(1), mzaa158. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzaa158 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzaa158
- Wnukowski, K., Kopański, Z., Brukwicka, I., & Sianos, G. (2015). Zagrożenia towarzyszące pracy ratownika medycznego-wybrane zagadnienia [The dangers of medical rescue work –selected issues]. Journal of Clinical Healthcare, 3, 10–16.
- Główny Urząd Statystyczny [Central Statistical Office]. (2017). Zdrowie i ochrona zdrowia w 2016 [Health and healthcare in 2016].
References
Lawn, S., Roberts, L., Willis, E., Couzner, L., Mohammadi, L., & Goble, E. (2020). The effects of emergency medical service work on the psychological, physical, and social well-being of ambulance personnel: a systematic review of qualitative research. BMC psychiatry, 20(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02752-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02752-4
Binczycka-Anholcer, M., & Lepiesza, P. (2011). Stres na stanowisku pracy ratownika medycznego. Hygeia Public Health, 46(4), 455-461.
Dopelt, K., Wacht, O., Strugo, R., Miller, R., & Kushnir, T. (2019). Factors that affect Israeli paramedics’ decision to quit the profession: A mixed-methods study. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 8(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-019-0346-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-019-0346-0
Dow, D. M. (2018). Exploring Stress in EMS: A Challenge, Occupational Hazard, and Barrier: A Qualitative Study [Doctoral dissertation, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.
Dudek, B. (2003). Zaburzenie po stresie traumatycznym. Gdańskie Wydawnictwo Psychologiczne.
Duschek, S., Bair, A., Haux, S., Garrido, A., & Janka, A. (2020). Stress in paramedics: relationships with coping strategies and personality traits. International Journal of Emergency Services, 9(2), 203-216. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-06-2019-0029 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-06-2019-0029
Forster, C. (2020). Could mindfulness activity improve occupational health in UK paramedics? Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(5), 186-192. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.186 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.5.186
Givati, A., Markham, C., & Street, K. (2018). The bargaining of professionalism in emergency care practice: NHS paramedics and higher education. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 23(2), 353-369. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-017-9802-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-017-9802-1
Hayes, C., Corrie, I., & Graham, Y. (2020). Paramedic emotional labour during COVID-19. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(8), 319-323. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.8.319 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2020.12.8.319
Ilczak, T., Rak, M., Ćwiertnia, M., Mikulska, M., Waksmańska, W., Krakowiak, A., Bobiński, R., & Kawecki, M. (2021). Predictors of stress among emergency medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 34(2), 139-149. https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01688 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01688
Jakubowska, A., Żuralska, R., & Mziray, M. (2017). Ocena satysfakcji z życia w grupie zawodowej pielęgniarek/pielęgniarzy Gdańskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego oraz ratowników/ratowniczek medycznych województwa pomorskiego. Pielęgniarstwo i Zdrowie Publiczne [Nursing and Public Health], 7(4), 279–284. https://doi.org/10.17219/pzp/76717 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17219/pzp/76717
Jasielska, A., & Ziarko, M. (2019). General specific individual post-traumatic stress disorder-related mechanisms among paramedics. Medycyna Pracy, 70(1). https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00757 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00757
Jonsson, A., Segesten, K., & Mattsson, B. (2003). Post-traumatic stress among Swedish ambulance personnel. Emergencine Medicine Journal, 20, 79–84. https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.20.1.79 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/emj.20.1.79
Khan, W., Jackson, M., Conduit, R., & Kennedy, G. (2018). The effect of shift-work and sleep disorders on the mental health of Victorian paramedics. Journal of Sleep Research, 27. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.63_12766 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.63_12766
Kołodziej, B. (2011). Potrzeba wsparcia psychologicznego ratowników medycznych w kontekście wsparcia psychologicznego funkcjonariuszy policji i straży pożarnej. Journal of Ecology and Health, 15(1), 35–38.
Kucmin, T., Kucmin, A., Turska, D., Turski, A., & Nogalski, A. (2018). Coping styles and dispositional optimism as predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms intensity in paramedics. Psychiatria Polska, 52(3), 557-571. https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/68514 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12740/PP/68514
Leszczynski, P. (2014). Analiza kompetencji zawodowych ratowników medycznych w wybranych jednostkach ratowniczych [Analysis of professional competences of medical rescuers in selected emergency services]. Edukacja Ustawiczna Dorosłych, 4(83), 71–82.
Ogińska-Bulik, N. (2014). Rola strategii radzenia sobie ze stresem w rozwoju po traumie u ratowników medycznych. Medycyna Pracy, 65(2), 209-217. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.2014.024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12775/PBE.2014.019
Ogińska-Bulik, N., & Juczyński, Z. (2016). Ruminacje jako wyznaczniki negatywnych i pozytywnych konsekwencji doświadczonych zdarzeń traumatycznych u ratowników medycznych. Medycyna Pracy, 67(2), 201-211. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00321 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.00321
Ostrowska, M., & Michcik, A. (2014). Stres w pracy – objawy, konsekwencje, przeciwdziałanie. Bezpieczeństwo Pracy, 5, 12–15.
Rybojad, B., Aftyka, A., Baran, M., & Rzońca, P. (2016). Risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in Polish paramedics: A pilot study. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 50(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.j emermed.2015.06.030 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.06.030
Talarowska, M., Florkowski, A., Wachowska, K., & Gałecki, P. (2011). Stres a debriefing–definicje i aktualne kontrowersje. Current Problems of Psychiatry, 12(2), 132–136.
The State Medical Rescue Act 2006 (pl.).
Vanhaecht, K., Seys, D., Bruyneel, L., Cox, B., Kaesemans, G., Cloet, M., van den Broeck, K., Cools, O., de Witte, A., Lowet, K., Hellings, J., Bilsen, J., Lemmens, G., & Claes, S. (2021). COVID-19 is having a destructive impact on health-care workers’ mental well-being. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 33(1), mzaa158. https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzaa158 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzaa158
Wnukowski, K., Kopański, Z., Brukwicka, I., & Sianos, G. (2015). Zagrożenia towarzyszące pracy ratownika medycznego-wybrane zagadnienia [The dangers of medical rescue work –selected issues]. Journal of Clinical Healthcare, 3, 10–16.
Główny Urząd Statystyczny [Central Statistical Office]. (2017). Zdrowie i ochrona zdrowia w 2016 [Health and healthcare in 2016].