WORK STRESSORS IN HEALTH-CARE - CONTEXT AND OUTCOMES

This overview presents a holistic model of work stressors in health ca re settings. The model posits that health care system and personal sys tem 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 o n staff's job morale and health. The research in this area suggests th at 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 de velopments that are changing the health care workplace and suggest dir ections for future research.