EVALUATION OF THE QUALITY OF PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF MEDICAL STAFF IN THREE EMERGENCY MEDICINE UNITS FROM ROMANIA

Authors

  • Cristina KANTOR Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Diana Iliescu BULGARU Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Anca HAISAN Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • T. BLAGA Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi
  • Maria-Noemi KANTOR
  • Carmen Diana CIMPOESU Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Abstract

Understanding the professional quality of life of medical staff and its determinants is essential for addressing significant issues in this area. A preliminary study is necessary to identify organizational weaknesses and strengths, with the ultimate goal of enhancing healthcare services and their quality. Given its impact on service quality, the professional quality of life of medical staff is a critical concern for healthcare organizations. This study aimed to evaluate the professional quality of life of medical staff, presenting and critically assessing the available evidence on the overall professional quality of life of medical personnel in three emergency medical units in Romania. Materials and methods: To evaluate the professional quality of life of medical staff in emergency medicine units, a study was conducted from September 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. The research took place in three emergency units in Romania: “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital from Iasi, “Sf. Ioan cel Nou” County Emergency Hospital from Suceava and the Inspectorates for Emergency Situations (IES) from Iasi and Suceava Counties (IES). Results: Three groups of employees representing medical personnel from three emergency medicine units in Romania were analyzed. They are represented by 42 doctors (47.73%), 32 nurses (36.36%) and 14 workers in the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IESw) (15.91%). The average age of the study participants was 36.4± 8.41 years. The results indicate the mean values of the sub scores for the ProQOL subscales: compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress. These were compared between the three groups according to profession (physician, nurse, IES workers). Significant differences in their mean ProQOL subscale scores were noted. Conclusions: Although physicians, nurses, and IES workers share many professional experiences, significant differences arise from their specific roles, work environments, and the unique stresses they encounter. Recognizing these differences is crucial for addressing their distinct needs and effectively supporting their well-being.

Author Biographies

  • Cristina KANTOR, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Ph.D. Student

  • Diana Iliescu BULGARU, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (III)

  • Anca HAISAN, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Surgery (II)
    Medical Student

  • T. BLAGA, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Surgery (II)
    Medical Student

  • Maria-Noemi KANTOR

    Faculty of Medicine
    Medical Student

  • Carmen Diana CIMPOESU, Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Surgery (II)
     “Sf. Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania
    Emergency Department

References

1. WHO. (2020). State of the world’s nursing. World Health Organization.
2. Brooks Carthon JM, Hatfield L, Brom H, et al. System-Level Improvements in Work Environments Lead to Lower Nurse Burnout and Higher Patient Satisfaction. J Nurs Care Qual 2021; 36(1): 7-13.
3. Riman KA, Harrison JM, Sloane DM, McHugh MD. Work Environment and Operational Failures Associated with Nurse Outcomes, Patient Safety, and Patient Satisfaction. Nurs Res 2023; 72(1): 20-29.
4. Jun J, Ojemeni MM, Kalamani R, Tong J, Crecelius ML. Relationship between nurse burnout, patient and organizational outcomes: Systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 119: 103933.
5. Şenol Çelik S, Sariköse S, Çelik Y. Structural and psychological empowerment and burnout among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Nurs Rev 2024; 71(1): 189-201.
6. Yesilbas H, Kantek F. Relationship between structural empowerment and job satisfaction among nurses: A meta-analysis. Int Nurs Rev. Published online April 20, 2024.
7. Cicolini G, Comparcini D, Simonetti V. Workplace empowerment and nurses’ job satisfaction: a systematic literature review. J Nurs Manag 2014; 22(7): 855-871.
8. Muir KJ, Porat-Dahlerbruch J, Nikpour J, Leep-Lazar K, Lasater KB. Top Factors in Nurses Ending Health Care Employment between 2018 and 2021. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7(4): e244121.
9. Aiken LH, Sermeus W, McKee M, et al. Physician and nurse well-being, patient safety and recom-mendations for interventions: cross-sectional survey in hospitals in six European countries. BMJ Open 2024; 14(2): e079931.
10. Aiken LH, Lasater KB, Sloane DM, et al. Physician and Nurse Well-Being and Preferred Interventions to Address Burnout in Hospital Practice: Factors Associated with Turnover, Outcomes, and Patient Safety. JAMA Health Forum 2023; 4(7): e231809.
11. Botha E, Gwin T, Purpora C. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs in reducing stress experienced by nurses in adult hospital settings: a systematic review of quantitative evidence proto-col. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep 2015; 13(10): 21-29.
12. Ribeiro ARV, Sani AI. Bullying against Healthcare Professionals and Coping Strategies: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2024; 21(4): 459.
13. West CP, Dyrbye LN, Erwin PJ, Shanafelt TD. Interventions to prevent and reduce physician burnout: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2016; 388(10057): 2272-2281.
14. Fendel JC, Bürkle JJ, Göritz AS. Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Reduce Burnout and Stress in Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acad Med 2021; 96(5): 751-764.
15. Chirico F, Nucera G, Magnavita N. Protecting the mental health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 emergency. B J Psych International 2021; 18(1): E1.
16. Dyrbye LN, Shanafelt TD, Gill PR, Satele DV, West CP. Effect of a Professional Coaching Interven-tion on the Well-being and Distress of Physicians: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2019; 179(10): 1406-1414.
17. Hämmig O. Explaining burnout and the intention to leave the profession among health professionals - a cross-sectional study in a hospital setting in Switzerland. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18(1): 785.
18. Peter KA, Voirol C, Kunz S, et al. Factors associated with health professionals’ stress reactions, job satisfaction, intention to leave and health-related outcomes in acute care, rehabilitation and psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes and home care organisations. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24(1): 269.
19. Stamm, BH. (2010). The concise ProQOL manual. Pocatello, ID: Pro-QOL.org. http://ProQOL.org/uploads/ProQOL_Concise_2ndEd_12-2010.pdf
20. Stemmer R, Bassi E, Ezra S, et al. A systematic review: Unfinished nursing care and the impact on the nurse outcomes of job satisfaction, burnout, intention-to-leave and turnover. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78(8): 2290-2303.
21. Alharbi AA, Dahinten VS, MacPhee M. The relationships between nurses’ work environments and emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, and intent to leave among nurses in Saudi Arabia. J Adv Nurs 2020; 76(11): 3026-3038.
22. Maslach C, Leiter MP. Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry 2016; 15(2): 103-111.
23. Nagarajan R, Ramachandran P, Dilipkumar R, Kaur P. Global estimate of burnout among the public health workforce: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Resour Health 2024; 22(1): 30.
24. Molina-Praena J, Ramirez-Baena L, Gómez-Urquiza JL, Cañadas GR, De la Fuente EI, Cañadas-De la Fuente GA. Levels of Burnout and Risk Factors in Medical Area Nurses: A Meta-Analytic Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15(12): 2800.
25. López-López IM, Gómez-Urquiza JL, Cañadas GR, De la Fuente EI, Albendín-García L, Cañadas-De la Fuente GA. Prevalence of burnout in mental health nurses and related factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2019; 28(5): 1032-1041.
26. Monsalve-Reyes CS, San Luis-Costas C, Gómez-Urquiza JL, Albendín-García L, Aguayo R, Cañadas-De la Fuente GA. Burnout syndrome and its prevalence in primary care nursing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Fam Pract 2018; 19(1): 5 9.
27. Gómez-Urquiza JL, De la Fuente-Solana EI, Albendín-García L, et al. Prevalence of Burnout Syn-drome in Emergency Nurses: A Meta-Analysis. Crit Care Nurse 2017; 37(5): e1-e9.
28. Cañadas-De la Fuente GA, Ortega E, Ramirez-Baena L, et al. Gender, Marital Status, and Children as Risk Factors for Burnout in Nurses: A Meta-Analytic Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15(10): 2102.

Additional Files

Published

2024-06-28

Issue

Section

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE - LABORATORY