Workplace Stress and Coping Mechanisms among Multidisciplinary Healthcare Professionals A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/mm0pfa62Keywords:
workplace stress, coping mechanisms, healthcare professionals, multidisciplinary, systematic reviewAbstract
Workplace stress among healthcare professionals has emerged as a critical global public health concern due to its impact on workforce well-being, patient safety, and healthcare system performance. Healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers—are exposed to high workloads, emotional demands, and organizational pressures that contribute to stress and burnout. Evidence indicates that burnout prevalence in healthcare settings varies widely, with particularly high rates reported in Saudi Arabia, ranging from 40% to 70% depending on specialty and work environment. This systematic review synthesizes global and Saudi-specific literature on workplace stress, its determinants, and coping mechanisms among multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
A systematic search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published between 2015 and 2026 were included. Findings reveal that workload, staffing shortages, emotional labor, and workplace violence are major stressors, while coping mechanisms include problem-focused strategies, social support, organizational interventions, and resilience training. In Saudi Arabia, cultural, organizational, and workforce-related factors such as expatriate workforce reliance and healthcare transformation initiatives contribute to stress patterns.
The review concludes that integrated individual and organizational interventions are essential to mitigate stress and improve healthcare outcomes.
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