International Journal on Science and Technology

E-ISSN: 2229-7677     Impact Factor: 9.88

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 16 Issue 3 July-September 2025 Submit your research before last 3 days of September to publish your research paper in the issue of July-September.

Invisible but Indispensable: A Qualitative Study of Burnout and Coping Among Laboratory Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Author(s) Layla S. Alzaghabi
Country Saudi Arabia
Abstract Background: Medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) play an important role in hospital diagnostics, yet little is known about their experiences of stress and burnout, especially in tertiary hospitals.
Objective: This study explored the experiences of MLTs in a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on workload, stress, and coping methods.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 laboratory technologists from different departments, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework.
Results: Three main themes were identified: (1) Workload-Induced Stress, linked to high sample numbers and long shifts; (2) Organizational and Interpersonal Challenges, including limited recognition, career barriers, and weak communication with clinical teams; and (3) Coping and Resilience, where participants reported using peer support, faith, and self-care.
Conclusion: MLTs experience high emotional and operational pressures, often with little institutional support. Solutions require improved staffing, stronger recognition, and better collaboration across healthcare teams.
Keywords Medical laboratory technologists, stress, burnout, workload, qualitative study, healthcare, Saudi Arabia
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 16, Issue 3, July-September 2025
Published On 2025-09-09
DOI https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17087072
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9226b

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