Sources of role conflict: A critical evaluation of emergency medical service work-family conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented strain on the health care system around the world and challenged it like never before in the recent history. The impacts of disasters including pandemics are not limited to the headlines and news reports of number of affected people and costs. The short and long-term effects of disasters on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are often overlooked. The needs and concerns of EMS providers are usually neglected. A rich data exists in the literature regarding disasters including pandemics. Yet, a significant gap related to EMS providers working during pandemics was revealed through the literature. Few studies have addressed the personal and professional impacts of role conflict on EMS providers' and their willingness to respond.

This qualitative constructivist study provides important insights invaluable as to the work-family conflict phenomena amongst EMS providers during one of the worst pandemics in modern history. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the sources of work-family conflict among EMS providers who responded during COVID-19 pandemic. Role theory with the work-family conflict pressure model were used to advance the study. The research questions that guided this study was What are the sources of work-family conflict among EMS providers during COVID-19? In-depth semi-structured interviews carried out with 30 EMS providers from 20 different states within the United States. Moreover, the ATLAS.ti qualitative analysis software was used during analysis to code data and develop themes and subthemes.

The findings demonstrated several unique challenges and concerns for EMS providers during COVID-19. The analysis revealed three major themes with their subthemes of work-family conflict sources of: 1) strain-based conflict with subthemes including: 1.1) fears and concerns, 1.2) role ambiguity, 1.3) inadequate resources (lack of PPE and inadequate education and training 1.4) lack of confidence in the employer, 2) time-based conflict with subthemes included: 2.1) increased workload, 2.2) Mandatory overtime 2.3) decreased time spent with family , and 3) behavior-based conflict with subtheme included: 3.1) implement excessive precautionary measures, 3.2) obsessive behaviors, 3.3) negative emotions, and 3.4) limited interaction with family members.

The knowledge gained from this study will inform EMS education, research, and practice, as well as health policy related to the care of responders and their loved ones and create balance between work and family before, during, and after disasters. Hence, enhance the development of disaster response plans and policies and the effectiveness of care provided.