Work stressors associated with mental health, well-being and intention to leave among ambulance staff in England: an explanatory mixed-methods study

09 Jul 20264 min read0 viewsJournal Feed

GIST (Key Takeaways)

Background and aim(s) Ambulance staff have the highest sickness absence, burnout and turnover intentions in the National Health Service, with work-related stress and anxiety identified as key drivers. Although multiple occupational stressors have been reported, it remains unclear which have the greatest impact.
This study examined which work stressors are most strongly associated with mental health, well-being and intention to leave; whether these associations are explained by stress appraisals and mental rest; and which staff are most vulnerable to adverse outcomes. Methods A mixed-methods, explanatory, sequential design, stress audit was conducted in one ambulance service in England.
An online survey with ambulance staff (n=420) assessed key stress elements (work stressors, stress appraisals, mental rest) and key outcomes (depression, well-being, intention to leave). Semistructured interviews with staff (n=8) explored the findings of the survey in more depth.
Linear regression analyses examined relationships between predictors (eg, stressors) and outcomes (eg, well-being) and analysis of variances and t-tests explored differences between groups (eg, gender). A thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted.

Clinical Editorial

BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 09 Jul 2026.

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