Care4Care

Name: Sydney Williams
School: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Class of 2026

Name: Youssra Yemmas
School: Mailman School of Public Health, Class of 2024

Mentors: Nolwenn Le Meur, PhD and Batya Elul, PhD, MSc

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Abstract

Research Question: The objective of this study is to describe working conditions of paramedical staff; determine the factors that contribute to staff burnout; and understand how both working conditions impact patient safety, quality of care, and workforce wellbeing.

Background: The working conditions of healthcare workers in France is deteriorating, especially among paramedical staff in conventional surgical units. The structure of surgical practice has shifted over the last ten years towards increased ambulatory care procedures. We propose that this shift may impact the healthcare workforce.

Methods: The objective of this study is to describe working conditions of paramedical staff; determine the factors that contribute to staff burnout; and understand how both working conditions impact patient safety, quality of care, and workforce wellbeing.

Results: We found that the increase in day surgery was associated with tension in the workplace environment. Paramedical staff suffering, likelihood of patient morbidities, and mediation with hospital managers was associated with higher rates of self reported disruptive working environments. Literature that examines workplace wellbeing and burnout of paramedical staff  is sparse. More research is needed to better understand how staff in hospitals, at large, are experiencing their working conditions. The high patient loads, long hours, and conflict with administrators contributes to staff burnout and increased likelihood attrition. It is also well understood that burnout negatively impacts a patient's quality of care, safety, and health outcomes including mortality.

Conclusions: These results attest to the necessity of policy that aims to improves the working conditions of paramedical staff.