P0017 - Assessment of stress at work

Abstract

Background:

Stress at work is estimated to be the biggest occupational health problem in the UK. This study assesses work-related stress in a local team of mental health workers.

Aim:

To identify the work-related stress within multidisciplinary Assertive Outreach Team (AOT).

Methods:

All sixteen AOT members were given a self-assessment questionnaire. This stress assessment tool consists of six domains and is made up of forty-six questions with a scoring system. Completed questionnaires were filled and anonymously returned back via team secretary.

Results:

The overall response rate 80% (n=12). Among six domains of the questionnaire the highly scored item were – “Demands” which in average had a score of 12.3. In this section - “Do you feel that you have much work to do?” was the most scored item with 27 points. At the same section - “Do you feel unable to complete work on time?” and “Do you feel that pressure from work affects your health?” were 2nd and 3rd most scored with 20 points each.

Next significant scores were given for “Control” and “Role” where each scored 9.3. Least points were given for “Relationship” with 4.3 only.

Conclusions:

People feel overwhelmed with work demand which affects their ability to work and general health at the same time. It appears that a strategy of efficiency measures can be addressed within the team whilst others need to be taken to higher management level.