The effect of a coping training program on the burnout levels of ambulance staff during the COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical trial

Abstract

Backgraund

Although there is a growing body of intervention research addressing the impact of burnout on healthcare professionals, few researchers have focused on the impact of burnout on emergency medical service staff.

Objective

This paper investigated the effect of a coping training program on the burnout levels of ambulance crew members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The sample consisted of 90 ambulance crew members in Türkiye. A psychologist implemented the intervention (coping training program) for six hours. There was no significant difference in pretest Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) total and subscale scores between the experimental and control groups.

Results

The experimental group had a significantly higher mean pretest MBI “emotional exhaustion” subscale score than the posttest (25.5 ± 35.81) and follow-up (25.55 ± 16.51) scores (p = 0.048). Although the groups had lower mean follow-up MBI “emotional exhaustion” and “depersonalization” scores and higher mean follow-up MBI “personal accomplishment” scores, the difference was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The intervention helped reduce ambulance crew members’ emotional exhaustion levels in the long term. However, although there was a decrease in depersonalization and an increase in personal accomplishment, the difference was statistically insignificant.