Authors (including presenting author) :
Tse PY(1), Chan TY(2), Chow W(2), Chuck CY(1), Fung YM(3), Kwok TY(1), Law HY(3), Tse TT(2), Yuen CH(1), Chan YWW(4), Lam SKT(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Accidents and Emergency Department, Tuen Mun Hospital (2)Accidents and Emergency Department, Pok Oi Hospital (3)Accidents and Emergency Department, Caritas Medical Centre (4)Accidents and Emergency Department, New Territories West Cluster
Introduction :
Emergency department is a fast-paced and stressful working environment where emergency nurses encounter a diverse range of unpredictable medical diseases and traumatic events. Burnout, a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment, is a significant issue among emergency nurses worldwide. Investigating burnout among emergency nurses in Hong Kong is crucial due to the lack of local studies and with the rising nurse attrition rates. This can provide insights to develop targeted interventions for improving the well-being of emergency nurses and patient care quality.
Objectives :
(1) Reveal the burnout rate among emergency nursing in Hong Kong;
(2) Investigate associated factors and impacts of such phenomenon
Methodology :
An online questionnaire was distributed to all nurses working in emergency departments throughout the entire HA via internal organization email and instant messenger from April to June 2024. Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess burnout level and prevalence. Independent t-test, Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test were used to compare demographics characteristics and impacts between burnout group and non-burnout group. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of burnout.
Result & Outcome :
268 emergency nurses responded to the questionnaire. 35.4% of respondents were identified as burnout. The Burnout group has higher depression severity (58.9% vs 31.2%, p<0.001, Chi-square test), and higher rate of thoughts on quitting the job (69.5%, p<0.001, Chi-square test).
4 statistically significant associated factors to burnout among HK emergency nurses were identified with logistic regression. The most important associated factor was perceived shortage of manpower (OR=6.04; CI=1.66-21.9), followed by dissatisfaction at job (OR=5.55; CI=2.44-12.6). The other 2 significant associated factors were insufficient training, lack of exercise habit.
Burnout is a significant phenomenon among emergency nurses working in Hong Kong public hospitals. It negatively impacts the wellbeing of healthcare staff and ultimately compromises the quality of patient care. Strategies to alleviate burnout should be explored to improve the wellbeing of nursing staff and the working environment and thus, maximize the quality of the healthcare system.
