Working Environment in a Virtual Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: We measured multidisciplinary staff perceptions of the working environment, attitudes to telemedicine and the experience of working in a virtual emergency department (ED) to permit comparison with studies of physical EDs. Methods: In September 2024, we conducted an online survey of 63 staff in a South Australian virtual ED. The survey comprised the Working Environment Scale (WES-10) and questions assessing attitudes to telemedicine and open-ended questions on attractors and challenges to work. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential statistics were used to compare responses between professions; content analysis was conducted on open-ended data. Results: The response rate was 52% (n = 33, comprising 5 clerical, 16 doctors, 11 nurses and 1 paramedic). The WES-10 scores were (median, interquartile range): Self-realisation (3.6, 3.2–4.3), Workload (3.0, 2.4–3.0), Conflict (1.5, 1.0–2.0) and Nervousness (1.5, 1.0–2.0). We identified inconsistencies in the scoring of previous studies of the physical ED working environment that complicate comparison, although the results suggest that the virtual ED is viewed at least as positively as the physical ED, particularly for Self-realisation. Staff had generally very positive attitudes towards telemedicine, except for future plans for professional development and preference for virtual care. Delivering novel care and having a positive workplace culture were the main attractions to working at the virtual ED, whereas limitations in assessing patients were the main challenge. Conclusions: Virtual ED staff viewed their workplaces and telemedicine positively and were attracted to the delivery of a novel form of healthcare. Greater consistency of WES-10 measurement is necessary.