The prevalence of burnout in UK emergency ambulance staff: a mixed-methods survey study

Work-related burnout is a serious and frequently documented issue affecting the mental health and well-being of a large proportion of people, including ambulance service personnel. Owing to the nature of their emergency services role, ambulance service professionals are frequently exposed to highly demanding and stressful situations, resulting in stress and subsequent burnout. In addition, the causal link between burnout, depression, anxiety and subsequent suicidal ideation highlights the importance of researching burnout in ambulance personnel. As a result, the aim of this study was to discuss the incidence of burnout in Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust emergency medical services staff.

This single ambulance service study was a mixed-methods survey study with data collection utilising the 19-question Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, which measures burnout across three domains: personal burnout, work-related burnout and patient-related burnout. The questionnaire was amended to incorporate a free-text space to provide opinions on causation of burnout, alongside suggestions of how current practice can be improved.

Seventy-eight staff members completed the questionnaire. Thirty-eight (48.7%) staff members were found to be experiencing personal burnout, 42 (53.8%) staff members experienced work-related burnout and patient-related burnout was found in 29 (37.1%) respondents. Within the questionnaire, four themes were identified through thematic analysis: external factors; patterns of work; management support; and sickness absence.

Findings suggested that burnout was prevalent within this Trust. This requires further investigation into causation, alongside consideration of preventative measures and interventions that would improve well-being within the emergency medical services, as literature suggests that burnout is associated with declining mental health and increased staff sickness absence rates.