Hospital Work-Related Stress in Emergency Medicine: A Comparative Study Between the United Kingdom and Egypt

Abstract

Hospital work is often associated with noble intentions, such as saving lives and providing healthcare to those in need. However, behind the scenes, healthcare professionals face a significant and often underestimated challenge – work-related stress. The demanding nature of healthcare can take a toll on the mental and physical well-being of hospital staff, affecting both the individuals and the quality of patient care. This study investigates the complex issue of work-related stress among emergency medicine doctors, comparing the experiences in a developed country, the United Kingdom, and a developing nation, Egypt. Using a validated questionnaire endorsed and reviewed by the Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom, 60 emergency medicine doctors participated in the survey—30 from each country. Upon data analysis, distinct stressors influencing emergency medicine practitioners in these diverse settings were discerned. The data revealed palpable differences in work-related stress between the two nations. The findings have been categorized into several themes, namely: Demands, Control, Managers Support, Peer Support, Role and Relationships Patterns. findings suggest distinct stressors inherent to the respective healthcare infrastructures and socioeconomic environments. In the UK, stressors were primarily attributed to administrative demands, high patient inflow, and expectations for rapid, high-quality care. Conversely, in Egypt, limited resources, infrastructural challenges, and patient expectations in a resource-constrained environment were predominant. Additionally, cultural and systemic factors played a role in the perception and management of stress in both settings. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these professionals in both developed and developing settings will pave the way for more informed, context-specific strategies and policies to mitigate work-related stress.