Occupational Stress of Medical Support Assistants in the Veterans Health System
Date of Conferral
10-11-2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Health Services
Advisor
Antonio Bull
Abstract
The problem of occupational stress among healthcare workers has necessitated further study to create improvements in healthcare operations and delivery. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the experiences of medical support assistants regarding occupational stress in the veterans' health system. Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress and coping provided the theoretical framework for the study. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with 10 medical support assistants working in veterans hospitals in the Midwest region of the United States. Results of coding analysis revealed sources of stress included inadequate training and fear of unsatisfactory performance ratings. Medical support assistants reported feeling bodily discomfort during and after stress occurrences and indicated they managed stress by taking breaks, communicating with coworkers, and maintaining a positive attitude. Findings may be used to develop interventions that support medical support assistants in reducing and managing occupational stress.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Lattessha, "Occupational Stress of Medical Support Assistants in the Veterans Health System" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14949.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14949
