Comparing predictors of emotional intelligence among medical and nursing staff in national health system and military hospitals: A cross-sectional study in Greece.

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a crucial skill in the healthcare industry, closely related to empathy, communication, and stress tolerance. Although EI has been well researched among healthcare workers, there is little information comparing organizational structures.

Objective: Our purpose of this study was to examine the EI of medical staff employed by the Armed Forces (military) and National Health System (NHS) hospitals in Athens, Greece, and investigate the connection between EI and professional or demographic traits.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 involving 1108 healthcare professionals (nurses and physicians) recruited through convenience sampling. Participants worked in ICUs, surgical, and medical departments of four military and three NHS hospitals in Attica EI was measured using the Greek-validated Wong and Law EI Scale (WLEIS). Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were carried out. Analyses of bivariate and multivariable linear regression were performed.

Results: Healthcare professionals in NHS hospitals demonstrated significantly higher EI scores across all dimensions compared to those in military hospitals (p < 0.001). Contrary to several earlier findings, male professionals showed higher values in emotional regulation and overall, EI. Higher EI is related to greater professional experience and permanent work status. Healthcare professionals who were working on rotated shifts reported higher scores for EI compared with those who were working morning shifts.

Conclusions: The EI of medical and nursing staff is influenced by work experience, employment stability, and organizational structure. Military hospitals and the hierarchical structures of such hospitals may pose an obstacle to emotional growth and expression. This underscores the necessity of specialized EI training in these settings. Finally, these results highlight the necessity of the development of EI to enhance patient care and teamwork.