This research aimed to provide basic data that could bring about positive changes in the working conditions of physician assistants using a descriptive research method to identify the effect of physician assistants’ role conflict and resilience on b...
This research aimed to provide basic data that could bring about positive changes in the working conditions of physician assistants using a descriptive research method to identify the effect of physician assistants’ role conflict and resilience on burnout. A role conflict measuring tool developed by Kim and Park(1994), a resilience measuring tool developed by Connor and Davidson(2003) and later revised by Baek(2010), and a burnout measuring tool developed by Maslach and Jackson(1981) and later revised by Choi(2002) were used as research tools. Data were collected between January 15 to February 16, 2016 from 170 nurses working in 13 medical institutions with 200 or more beds in Metropolitan City B. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Vers. 20.0 software via frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations, Independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.
The major results of this research are as follows:
The average for role conflict was 3.39 on a scale of 5. When sub-categories were examined, non-supportive work environmental stress was 3.63, role ambiguity was 3.54, lack of ability was 3.29, and lack of cooperation 3.11. The average score of resilience was 3.56 on a scale of 5. For the sub-categories: support system was 3.92, optimism was 3.65, persistence was 3.61, hardness was 3.34, and spirituality was 3.28. The average score for burnout was 3.26 on a scale of 7. According to the sub-categories, emotional exhaustion was 4.03, personal achievement was 2.92, and depersonalization was 2.85. Regarding the general sample characteristics, burnout showed significant differences according to gender(t=2.67, p=.008), age(F=6.44, p=.002), marital status(t=3.00, p=.003), current position(t=2.09, p=.039), career of clinical practice(F=3.26, p=.041), career of PA(F=4.41, p=.014), motive of choosing PA(t=2.60, p=.027), on call duty(t=2.07, p=.040), and working space(t=2.25, p=.026). Physician assistants’ burnout was found to have positive correlations with role conflict(r=.406, p<.001) and negative correlations with resilience(r=-.421, p<.001). It was found that factors affecting the burnout of physician assistant were as follows: resilience(t=-4.83, p<.001), role conflict(t=4.30, p<.001), marital status(t=2.43, p=.016), motive of choosing PA(t=1.99, p=.049) and on call duty(t=2.06, p=.042).
Physician assistants’ role conflict and resilience were identified as major factors affecting burnout. In particular, more severe role conflict and lower resilience had more influence on the burnout of physician assistants. In order to decrease the level of burnout of physician assistants, various efforts are needed, including the development of a program designed to reduce role conflict and enhance resilience. These efforts could reduce burnout of physician assistants and contribute to effective workforce management..