Burnout In Emergency Department Healthcare Professionals Is Associated With Coping Style

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a common problem among healthcare professionals (HCPs), in particular young doctors and nurses working in emergency medical services.  Ineffective coping may lead to impaired job performance and burnout, with adverse consequences to staff well-being and patient outcomes. The study aim: To examine the relationship between coping styles and burnout in emergency physicians, nurses and support staff at seven small, medium and large emergency departments (ED) in KSA. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 616 ED staff members from January to May 2022. Linear regression with the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to evaluate the effect of coping style on levels of burnout. CISS measures coping style in three categories: task-oriented, emotion-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping; MBI assesses the level of burnout in healthcare workers. Results: Task-oriented coping was associated with decreased risk of burnout, while emotion-oriented coping was associated with increased risk of burnout. Specific coping styles are associated with varied risk of burnout in ED staff across several different types of hospitals in a regional network. Coping style intervention may reduce burnout, while leading to improvement in staff well-being and patient outcomes. Further studies should focus on building and sustaining task-oriented coping, along with alternatives to emotion- oriented coping. Conclusion: Coping styles and burnout among ED professionals share a relationship that is consistent across different types and sizes of facilities. Task-oriented coping predicts decreased burnout, while emotion-oriented coping style predicts increased burnout.