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Stress levels in EMS personnel: a longitudinal study with work-schedule modification
R K Cydulka1, C L Emerman, B Shade
1Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109-1998, USA.
Summary
Adjusting work schedules to emergency medical services (EMS) personnel preferences did not reduce stress levels. Overall stress scores increased, with no significant difference between new and old schedules.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Emergency Medical Services
- Workplace Psychology
Background:
- Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel experience high occupational stress.
- Work schedule patterns may influence stress levels in demanding professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if modifying work schedules to align with EMS personnel preferences can mitigate stress.
- To assess the impact of a new scheduling pattern on the stress levels of EMS staff.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, longitudinal cohort study involving EMS personnel.
- Implementation of a new work schedule (12-hour shifts) for a subset of participants.
- Comparison of stress scores using the Medical Personnel Stress Survey-Revised (MPSS-R) before and after the schedule change.
Main Results:
- Mean MPSS-R stress scores significantly increased from September 1990 to September 1991 (p < 0.05).
- Personnel on the new 12-hour shift schedule did not report significantly lower stress levels compared to those on the traditional 8-hour shifts.
Conclusions:
- The implemented work schedule adjustment, designed to meet personnel preferences, did not lead to a reduction in stress for EMS personnel.
- Occupational stress in EMS personnel appears to have increased irrespective of the scheduling intervention.