ABSTRACT
Background: Burnout among emergency department (ED) staff has emerged as a significant occupational health concern, negatively impacting healthcare delivery, staff retention, and overall patient outcomes. High workloads, emotional stress, and long shifts contribute to mental health deterioration and job dissatisfaction among ED personnel.
Aim: To explore the factors contributing to burnout in emergency department staff and evaluate interventions aimed at improving job satisfaction and mental health.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Ayub Medical Hospital, Abbottabad, with a study population of 100 emergency department staff members, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics. The study spanned from February 2024 to January 2025. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and additional items related to workplace environment, support systems, and coping strategies. Interventions such as mindfulness training, peer support groups, and shift restructuring were introduced and their effectiveness assessed.
Results: A high prevalence of burnout was observed, with 68% of participants reporting moderate to severe emotional exhaustion, and 52% showing signs of depersonalization. Key contributing factors identified included excessive workload (78%), lack of administrative support (64%), poor work-life balance (61%), and inadequate coping mechanisms (49%).
Conclusion: Burnout in emergency department staff was suggestively inclined by workplace stressors, absence of support, and inadequate recovery time. Targeted interferences, mainly these absorbed on mental health support and organizational reformation, demonstrated effective in improving burnout signs and enhancing job satisfaction.
Keywords: Burnout, Emergency Department, Mental Health, Job Satisfaction, Workplace Interventions, Healthcare Workers, Stress Management