Sources of stress and satisfaction in emergency practice

The purpose of this study was 1) to determine sources of satisfaction in the practice of emergency medicine, and 2) to identify specific stresses experienced by emergency physicians as well as factors that help them to cope successfully with these stresses. A cross-sectional study was done with a sample of 104 physicians employed in emergency departments in 24 private, public, and university-affiliated teaching hospitals in the greater Los Angeles area. An Emergency Physicians Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data revealed that the three greatest sources of satisfaction include 1) proficient use of skills, 2) variety and excitement, and 3) being a member of an effective team. Major stresses reported by emergency physicians were 1) patient load, 2) interaction with patients and families, and 3) lack of administrative support. A longitudinal study should be initiated to follow a sample of emergency physicians from the time of their internship throughout their careers as a means of identifying factors that lead to a satisfying practice of emergency medicine.