OP15
PRESENTEEISM IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE: OCCUPATIONAL RISK, CULTURAL DRIVERS AND PATIENT SAFETY IMPLICATIONS
Exploring the Impact of Working While Unwell on Emergency Department Staff and Patient Safety
- Talbot, M. Keast, BCUHB, Bangor, UK
Background
Presenteeism, defined as attending work despite illness, is recognised across healthcare but remains poorly characterised in Emergency Medicine (ED), where staffing pressure, professional identity and patient demand may amplify risk. Working while unwell may impact clinician cognitive performance, infection transmission and patient safety. Understanding drivers and perceived consequences may support occupational and organisational risk mitigation.
Aims
To explore drivers, frequency and perceived impacts of presenteeism among ED clinicians and identify potential occupational and organisational mitigation strategies.
Methods
A short anonymous cross-sectional survey was distributed to ED clinical staff in a UK district general hospital. The questions explored frequency of working whilst unwell, illness type, perceived drivers, impact on performance, patient safety perception and perceived organisational support. A descriptive analysis was then performed.
Results
Findings suggest presenteeism is common among ED clinicians. Key drivers included staffing pressure, perceived burden on colleagues and cultural expectations. Respondents reported reduced concentration, slower decision-making and increased fatigue when working while unwell. Infection risk to colleagues and patients was acknowledged but often not prioritised. Confidence in organisational support for appropriate sickness absence varied.
Conclusions
Presenteeism appears culturally embedded within ED practice and represents a potential workforce and patient safety risk. Occupational health input, cultural leadership and organisational policy review may support safer workforce behaviours and reduce hidden system risk.
References:
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Widera E, Chang A, Chen HL. Presenteeism: a public health hazard. J Gen Intern Med. 2010;25(11):1244–1247.
Howlett M, Doody K, Murray J, LeBlanc-Duchin D, Fraser J, Atkinson PR. Burnout in emergency department healthcare professionals is associated with coping style: a cross-sectional survey. Emerg Med J. 2015;32(9):722–727.
Kinman G, Grant C. Presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic: risks and solutions. Occup Med (Lond). 2020;70(5):243–244.
Daniels J, et al. Perceived barriers and opportunities to improve working conditions in Emergency Departments: a qualitative study. Emerg Med J. 2024;41(4):257–263.
