Occupational Stress in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care: A Review on Influencing Factors and Consequences and Management:...

Occupational stress is a significant concern in the field of pre-hospital emergency care, affecting the well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of patient care. This review aims to explore the influencing factors, consequences, and management strategies associated with occupational stress in this specific setting. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search was conducted using relevant databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies published within the last decade were included, with a focus on empirical research and systematic reviews. The eligibility of the studies was evaluated based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review identified several influencing factors contributing to occupational stress in pre-hospital emergency care, such as high workload, time pressure, exposure to traumatic events, organizational factors, and personal characteristics. The consequences of occupational stress encompassed burnout, decreased job satisfaction, compromised patient care, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. Various management strategies were explored, including workload management, shift scheduling optimization, creating a supportive work environment, and stress management training. The findings highlight the need for effective management of occupational stress in pre-hospital emergency care. Addressing the influencing factors and implementing appropriate management strategies can mitigate the consequences of occupational stress and enhance the well-being of healthcare professionals. This review provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations, policymakers, and practitioners in developing interventions and policies to manage occupational stress and improve the overall quality of care in pre-hospital emergency settings. Further research is warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions and develop tailored approaches to address occupational stress in this context.