WORK STRESSORS IN HEALTH-CARE - CONTEXT AND OUTCOMES

This overview presents a holistic model of work stressors in health care settings. The model posits that health care system and personal system factors contribute to work stressors, influence staff coping, and affect staff and patient outcomes. We use the model for commenting on issues such as the determinants of health care workers' stressors and the impact of health care system factors, work stressors, and coping on staff's job morale and health. The research in this area suggests that health care system factors play a central role in the work life of health care providers. A positive work milieu can lessen the stressors staff confront and mitigate their negative effects. We discuss key developments that are changing the health care workplace and suggest directions for future research.