Beyond the Frontlines: Burnout Among Emergency Healthcare Providers in Jordan

Burnout among emergency healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and paramedics, is a growing global concern, particularly in developing countries where prevalence rates can reach 70%-80%. Burnout negatively impacts healthcare systems and patient outcomes. However, limited studies compare burnout rates across these professions or focus on the Middle Eastern context, including Jordan. This study aims to assess burnout prevalence among emergency physicians, nurses, and paramedics in Jordan and identify associated demographic and work-related factors.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a paper-based, self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Participants were drawn from emergency departments in 15 hospitals and 13 ambulance stations. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25, employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and logistic regression to identify burnout predictors.

A total of 560 participants completed the survey (response rate: 70%). The prevalence rates for personal, work-related, and patient-related burnout were 83.7%, 79.2%, and 64.0%, respectively, with overall high burnout rates (75.6%). Sleep deprivation (p ≤ 0.002), poor supervisor relationships (p ≤ 0.01), and attempts to change workplaces (p ≤ 0.03) were associated with all burnout dimensions. Female participants and those with one to three children showed higher burnout odds (p = 0.004, p = 0.045, respectively). No significant differences in burnout rates were observed among professions.

This study highlights alarmingly high burnout prevalence rates among emergency healthcare providers in Jordan, stressing the need for tailored strategies to mitigate burnout and improve the resilience of the healthcare system. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of systemic factors and post-COVID-19 dynamics.