Paramedics' and pharmacists' attitudes towards changes in working times at St. Luke's Hospital.

Abstract

In view of the increased focus on efficient utilisation of human resources and the likely changes in hospital management in the near future, this study sought to investigate the implications for paramedics and pharmacists with regards to possible changes in working times and to explore the effects of such changes on their family and social commitments. The study also aimed to assess their satisfaction with the current working patterns and to identify those commitments which would influence working time preferences and the implementation of alternative working patterns. A descriptive exploratory research design was chosen as the data collection method which was carried out in three phases. In the first phase, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 330 paramedics and 42 pharmacists working at St. Luke's Hospital followed by a focus group composed of a representative of each profession. Further information was obtained, in the second phase, from the line managers of the individual paramedics and pharmacists through another focus group, while in the third phase, elite interviews with the Director of Human Resources and Union Representatives were conducted. Analysis of results was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Results show that overall paramedics and pharmacists are satisfied with features of current work patterns particularly the daily work hours which fit either very well or fairly well with their family or social commitments. The study also revealed that individuals on reduced hours were the most satisfied with working patterns while those working roster patterns were the least satisfied. Flexible working patterns appeared to be the preferred alternative pattern. The issue of more flexibility was also discussed in both focus groups and the elite interviews. Results indicate that given a choice, paramedics' and pharmacists' work pattern preferences would be influenced by their personal/ social lifestyle, family commitments and their health. Moreover, the three factors identified as the most influential in the implementation of new work patterns were employees' participation in discussions to implement a new pattern, staffs' opinions about the new pattern and the amount of information given to them. The main recommendation which could emerge from this research study includes introducing more flexible working patterns that would provide the employee with enough time for those commitments outside work and therefore ensure less resistance to any changes. Moreover, this would help achieve maximum utilisation of resources and a more efficient service would be provided. Another recommendation would be to actively involve employees at all levels of the organisation in the change process providing assurance that alternative work patterns will not be imposed. Finally, it is important to mention that all those involved should work together to ensure that at the end of the day a better service is provided and the needs of the patient are met.