Job satisfaction and burnout in emergency medical services: An online survey of paramedics

Abstract

Background: Emergency operations under varying and difficult conditions may increase the burnout level for emergency medical service workers. Job satisfaction is seen as a predictor that might be related to the high degree of burnout. Objectives: We investigated job satisfaction and the level of burnout among paramedics, and analyzed the association between the perceived factors of satisfaction and the level of burnout. Materials and methods: Using an online questionnaire, employees were asked about their job satisfaction and about aspects determining the level of burnout. A descriptive evaluation was followed by a correlation analysis between burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion [EE]; depersonalization [DP]) and job satisfaction, and binary logistic regressions. Results: We included 1082 questionnaires. Most of the study participants were male, younger than 40 years of age and employed full-time. In the dimensions EE and DP, 26.2% and 40.0% of the respondents respectively showed a high level of burnout. Between 17.7% and 75.9% of the respondents were dissatisfied with individual aspects of the workplace (e.g. flexibility of the roster, training leave, salary, and professional status). Satisfaction with professional status and career choice were significantly associated with lower burnout rates in the EE and DP dimensions. Conclusion: The results show the necessity for improvement of working conditions. Moreover, the negative association shown between satisfaction with occupational status as well as occupational choice and high levels of burnout should further stimulate discussion on strategies to recognize these professions from a societal perspective.