Coping mechanisms and belief systems in emergency personnel

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the coping mechanisms and belief systems of personnel from the Accident & Emergency Department at the Mater Dei hospital. It inquires about job stressors, how the work environment shapes the personnel's beliefs and spirituality, and whether their personal life is affected by their job. Due to the subjective nature of the research a qualitative approach and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were employed for data collection and analysis, carrying out semi-structured interviews with three doctors and three nurses from the Accident and Emergency Department. The findings, correlated with existing literature, illustrate that not only do various work related stressors cause emergency personnel to develop coping mechanisms, but result in them acquiring certain beliefs regarding their patients, workplace and life. The study concludes that social and organisational support is a vital necessity to the workers, in order to avoid their psychological and physical health from being affected.