Work-Related Burnout Is Associated With Higher Odds of Turnover Intention, Sickness Absence, and Injury in EMS

Introduction—Work-related burnout is associated with higher odds of turnover intention, sickness absence, and injury in EMS. EMS professionals frequently encounter high-risk, high-stress, and emotionally demanding situations that could increase risk of occupational burnout. Few studies have explored potential negative outcomes related to burnout in EMS.

Objective—To assess the relationship between work-related burnout and sickness absence, turnover intentions, and occupational injury in EMS.

Methods—The study used a cross-sectional analysis using an electronic survey administered to all licensed, practicing EMS professionals in South Carolina. Work-related burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Generalized estimating equations with robust standard error estimates were used to account for clustering at the EMS agency level and control for confounding variables. Confounding variables were identified using directed acyclic graphs and included age, sex, full-time employment status, certification level, and years of EMS experience. Sickness absence, intent to leave EMS, and occupational injury were self-reported. High sickness absence was defined as more than 10 days over the most recent 12 months based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A nonresponder survey was conducted.

Results—Of 8,059 surveys sent out, 1,490 were returned (19%). After excluding emergency medical responders and those who had not provided patient care in the last 30 days, 1,271 were included in the analysis. More than one third (38%) were experiencing work-related burnout. Odds of high sickness absence were 83% higher for those experiencing burnout (OR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.01–3.32). There was more than a fourfold increase in odds of intending to leave the profession within the next 12 months for those with burnout (OR 4.12; 95% CI, 2.84–6.00). Work-related burnout was associated with more than a twofold increase in odds of having suffered an injury in the past 12 months (OR 2.60; 95% CI, 2.02–3.33). No differences were detected between responders and nonresponders in terms of work-related burnout.

Conclusion—Burnout among EMS professionals was associated with increased odds of sickness absence, turnover intentions, and occupational injury. Nevertheless, causality cannot be inferred from these cross-sectional data.