Workplace Factors Associated with Psychological Effects in Paramedics, A systematic Review and Meta- Analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to assess the correlation between workplace factors and psychological effects on paramedics. A search of four databases found 1794 papers, from which 31 were deemed eligible from the years 2000 to 2023. Their methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP, 2018) tool and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STOBE) guidelines to help in assessing cross-sectional studies. The results give the overall effect size with an OR=1.65 and a P<0.001, indicating statistical significance for the first forest plot. Similarly, forest plot 2 demonstrates an overall effect size with a correlation r= 0.29 and a P<0.001, also indicating statistical significance. In summary, this review found a small and positive correlation in reported odds ratio studies. For Pearson correlation r reported studies, a moderate and positive correlation were found linking psychological effect to workplace factors in paramedics. The limitation of this study included research published in English and variation in reporting results in the studies. The findings will inform future research and help policymakers, healthcare organizations, and practitioners in developing strategies to support paramedics' mental health and enhance quality of care.