Chapter 3

Methodology

Research Design

This study will be using a descriptive phenomenological research design. According to

Christensen et al., (2017) descriptive phenomenology is qualitative research that focuses and

describes an individual’s lived experiences and that phenomenological philosophy itself stresses

the attempt to arrive at the truth of things and explain the phenomena in which they appear. The

design of this study is based on Husserlian descriptive phenomenology. It is a method to explore

and describe the lived experience of individuals.

Descriptive phenomenological research design will be used because the researchers seek

to comprehensively relay the data collected in order to provide concrete descriptions of the lived

experiences of the participants.

Research Locale

The primary research setting of the study shall be in selected tertiary hospitals in Cebu,

which has a land area of 508,840 hectares. The total population of Cebu as of 2020 is 3,325,385.

In the city, the primary occupation for Cebuanos is to be an office employee and employer. Cebu

was chosen as the research setting because the researchers are more familiar with the place and

Cebu has a 1:30-40 nurse to patient ratio as of 2019 which could lead to nurse’s burnout Mayol,

S. & Semilla, N., (2019). To add, nurse-to-patient ratio is a key metric in determining the quality

and consistency of care a facility is able to provide. For the emergency room, there is an ideal 1:3

nurse-to-patient ratios (Gale.com, 2021). According to Yee (2019), the current ratio at the

Philippine General Hospital ward is 1:16 and the ideal nurse-to-patient ratio should be 1:12; while

in the emergency room, there is a 1:28 ratio.

 13

Figure 1

Site Map of the Study

Research Informants

The researchers will be utilizing the emergency room nurses from selected tertiary

hospitals in Cebu as informants. The inclusion criteria for the study include working in the

emergency room, at least one year of service, and have high scores for emotional exhaustion (total

of 30 and over), Cynicism (total of 12 and greater) and low scores in personal achievement (total

of 33 or less). These scores may indicate burnout and are eligible informants of the study (Maslach,

C. et. al., 1996). However, those scoring moderately and lower on the areas of emotional
 14

exhaustion and cynicism and moderately and higher on the personal accomplishment are not

qualified respondents of the study. According to Portoghese, I. et al., (2018), the proponents of the

MBI identified five profiles categorizing the results: (1) burnout, (2) disengaged, (3) overextended,

(4) ineffective, and (5) engagement where category 1, burnout, includes high emotional exhaustion

(EX), high cynicism (CY), and low personal achievement (PA).

The exclusion criteria is comprised of (1) nurses working in other departments, (2)

emergency room nurses with less than one year of service, and (3) scoring low in the EX and CY

areas and high in the PA area of the MBI.

Simple random sampling method will be employed on nurses who meet the inclusion

criteria. The simple random sampling method is a sampling technique that selects a subject group

or a sample from the population. Every individual is chosen completely by chance where every

member of the population has an equal chance at being included in the sample (Easton V.J. &

McColl, J.H., 1997). The sample elements will be chosen until the desired sample size of 10 or

until data saturation is met.

Research Instruments

The study will utilize a semi-structured interview guide as the primary research instrument.

The semi-structured interviews allow for open-ended responses and in-depth information from the

informants (keller, S. & Conradin, K., 2019). This would entail questions concerning duties of the

informant as an emergency room nurse, their relationship with those around them (i.e. colleagues,

family, patients, and friends), their experience with burnout, how their burnout affects them and

their job, and others in order to truly get a grasp of the participant’s experience on burnout and its
 15

implication in the different aspects of their life. This will be done through an online interview with

the researchers and will be audio recorded and transcripted.

In order to identify the informants, the researchers will employ the Maslach Burnout

Inventory (MBI) as the screening tool. The MBI is a twenty-two (22) item survey containing three

parts namely Emotional Exhaustion (EX), Cynicism (CY), and Personal Accomplishment (PA).

According to Maslach and Leiter (2016), emotional exhaustion refers to the worker’s experience

of stress leading to reduced initiative and reduced capacity for demanding work; cynicism refers

to detachment as a reaction to exhaustion and inconsistencies in the work environment; lastly,

personal achievement is the perceived professional inefficacy or a state of low confidence and

ineffectiveness.

Data-Gathering Procedures

Research Approval
A transmittal letter will be given to the Dean of Velez College - College of Nursing (see

Appendix A) to obtain permission to conduct the study in selected tertiary hospitals in Cebu. The

researchers will also be sending a transmittal letter to the Chief Nurses of the selected tertiary

hospitals. Aside from this, the researchers will be submitting the research protocol to the ethics

review committee for approval of the use of human subjects.

Recruitment

Informants will be recruited through a simple random sampling method. The Nurses who

will meet the criteria will be the research respondents. Sample elements will be chosen randomly.

There will be a desired sample size of 10 or until the data saturation is met. Additionally, the target

informants are not part of the vulnerable group.

 16

Prior to sending out the consent forms, the researchers will conduct a mock interview with

two informants who meet the inclusion criteria. This would also help the researchers develop

proper interview strategies and improve their communication skills before the interview phase.

Obtaining Informed Consent

The qualified participants will be provided with an informed consent form containing the

details of the study, its potential benefits, and potential risks. This will also inform the participants

that the interviews will be audio recorded through the preferred video conferencing app of the

respondent for documentation purposes. During the interview, one researcher will ask the

questions, one researcher will take note of the respondent’s answers, one researcher will take note

of the non-verbal cues, and one researcher will audio record the video conference. The form will

also emphasize that their participation is entirely voluntary and they may withdraw from the study

at any time they wish to do so. Should the informant withdraw from the study, they will still be

treated with respect and the usual and customary fashion.

Prior to signing the informed consent form, the researchers will also be verbally explaining

the contents of the form and will address any questions from the eligible participants. The eligible

participants are given one (1) week to go over the details of the consent form. Once they have read

and understood its contents, they will affix their signature over their printed name on both copies

of the informed consent form - one copy for their personal use and another for the researchers’

copy. Contact numbers of the researchers shall also be found on the consent form should the

informants, even after signing the form, have any questions or concerns regarding the research and

their participation.
 17

Pre-Interview Phase

After gaining approval, a self-administered survey which is the Maslach Burnout Inventory

(MBI) will be given to the informants. A high score for emotional exhaustion (total of 30 and

over), Cynicism (total of 12 and greater) and low scores in personal achievement (total of 33 or

less) will qualify the participant for the research and will be able to proceed to the next step which

is the informed consent form followed by the interview.

Interview Phase

The interview will take place in a safe and quiet environment, however, it will be conducted

online due to the pandemic. The researchers will utilize a semi-structured interview guide. They

will also introduce themselves at the start of the interview and give a brief introduction on what

the interview entails. The researchers will also ask some informal questions to establish rapport

and create a comfortable environment for the informants that they may be able to answer freely

during the interview.

The interviews will be conducted in the preferred video conferencing media at the preferred

date and time of the informant. During the interview, participants will be informed once again that

the participation is voluntary and they are allowed to cancel or discontinue the interview if they

choose not to participate in the research study or may have been feeling sick during the interview

with no repercussions whatsoever. Informants will also be encouraged to express their concerns or

queries at any time of the interview.

The interview will take approximately one hour of the informant’s time including

introductions, a brief run-through of the informed consent, and the interview proper. Appropriate

documentation shall be done through recording and note taking of relevant information.
 18

Post-Interview Phase

After the interview, the researchers will give a debriefing session to comprehensively

explain the study to the informants. Additionally, the informants will be given time to clarify and

ask questions. The researchers will also encourage them to share any positive and negative feelings

and also to raise complaints, if there are any. Apart from that, the researchers will also restate how

the recording will be stored. Bracketing in the form of reflexive journaling was also done in order

to eliminate any biases or preconceived ideas on the phenomenon being studied.

At the end of the interview, the informants will be given a token of appreciation. In this

way, the researchers will express their gratitude for the time and effort the informants have given

for this study.

Data Management Procedure

All the data gathered from this study shall follow specific confidentiality measures. The

confidentiality measures taken will include gathered data to be secured in password-protected

desktops and participants will be assigned pseudonyms to hide their identities. Pseudonyms will

be used for the questionnaire logs to ensure untraceable data towards each participant. The

interview will be audio recorded and a transcript will be made from the recordings with numbered

lines. Photographs of every interview (see Appendix H) will be taken with the consent of the

participant for documentation. Informants were assured that parts of the photographs would be

blurred out (i.e. their face) to conceal their identity. Informants would be assured that the digital

copies of these photographs would be deleted from the computer’s hard drive after the completion

of the study. No copies of these photographs will be uploaded on the Internet under any

circumstances. Lastly, the data being gathered is restricted to the researchers of the study and will

be deleted from the computer hard drive after the completion of the study.
 19

Data Analysis

Colaizzi’s method of data analysis will be utilized to understand the lived experience of

each informant. This is a qualitative approach that deals with interpreting qualitative research data,

mostly in the field of medicine and social sciences, to point out significant information and

organize it into themes of categories (Reference, 2020). With this approach, the researchers will

be able to identify the significant statements from the respondents, construct meanings related to

the phenomenon, and group important meanings found into themes and lastly, establish a structure

obtained from the phenomenon.

Figure 2

Summary of Colaizzis’ Seven-Step Method of Data Analysis

 20

The first step begins with repeatedly reading the transcripts to familiarize them. The

recorded interview will be transcribed by the researchers during this step. This is to ensure the

completeness of the information being transcribed.

The second step is the extraction of significant statements that are relevant to the

phenomenon being explored. These findings will be encoded in a separate document to prevent

confusion with the identifiers, such as line numbers and pages to easily identify its sources.

The third step is creating formulated meanings. The meanings will be formulated by the

researchers, which are extracted from the significant statements. The researchers used bracketing

to avoid biases and ensure the meanings stick closely to the phenomenology of the study.

The fourth step is aggregating formulated meanings into common theme clusters.

Bracketing was also used to avoid possible influences or biases that could affect the study.

The fifth step is the development of exhaustive descriptions. The researchers will be

combining the findings into exhaustive descriptions of the phenomenon and incorporating the

themes that were created.

The sixth step is the identification of the fundamental structure of the phenomenon. In this

step of the process, the researchers compressed the exhaustive descriptions into a short statement

that used and combined the themes and aspects that were considered significant. Any repetitive

descriptions were condensed.

The last step is to return to the participants for validation to verify the fundamental structure

that will capture their experiences.

 21

Rigor of the Study

Credibility

This refers to the amount for which the audit report is reliable and appropriate, with a

unique relationship to the extent of the agreement between the participants and investigators Davis

(2021). With this, researchers used subsequent techniques as a way to build the credibility of the

results. (1) An established qualitative research theory was used by the researchers, which is the

Colaizzi’s method, to provide a descriptive analysis of transcripts of interviews, (2) Record

keeping of notes during data collection will be done using Google Docs along with audio record

and transcripts lastly, (3) Prolonged engagement with the participants will be done by staying in

contact with them for further clarifications and the researchers will be sharing the interpretations

and translations of the data collected, for them to validate the accuracy of the transcripts before the

completion of the study.

Moreover, the findings of this study are credible as there has been a prolonged engagement

with the informants during the data gathering process and ensuring that data saturation was met

during the data gathering process.

Dependability

The researcher guarantees consistency and ensures that no important details will be missed

in interpreting the content, analyzing, and translating all the documented interviews when

verifying the reliability of the qualitative analysis. In case of a second interview, the researchers

guarantee to ask the same questions to ensure stability of the data. To add, follow-up questions

will also be asked to the informants. Prior to the interview, the researcher already made an

interview guide to be used for the session. With the informant's consent, the researcher had
 22

documentation of each online interview, an audit trail of audio recordings, signed informed consent

with witnesses, proof of the video call, and receipt of expenses.

Confirmability

Confirmability ensures that the interpretation of the data is not derived from any bias or

the perspective of the researcher, rather it is based on evidence. The researchers will utilize data

triangulation and investigator triangulation methods. Data triangulation will be done by comparing

data from multiple sources. In this study, this will be done through going over the recorded audio

file of the interview and comparing them with the transcripts in the data analysis. Investigator

triangulation will be done by having multiple researchers simultaneously analyze the data to ensure

that there is minimal to no bias. This establishes validity that the data gathered is directly from the

informants and consistent with the source all throughout the study.

Transferability

Transferability refers to the degree to which the results of qualitative research can be

generalized or transferred to other contexts or settings. The findings of the study are applicable

towards workers experiencing occupational burnout in other settings since the screening tool used

does not only limit emergency room nurses. With the aid of the MBI, populations from other

settings will be able to utilize it for burnout screening and as a means of self-evaluation.

Authenticity

Authenticity refers to the amount in which researchers fairly and honestly display or show

a scope of reality. The findings of the study are authentic as the information found come directly

from the experiences of informants themselves gathered through a self-administered survey and

interviews with the researcher.

 23

Ethical Considerations

Conflict of Interest

The researchers do not foresee any conflict of interest whether it be financial, familial, or

propriety considerations of the Primary Investigator and study site. Additionally, the researchers

have no relation with any of the informants of the study.

Privacy and Confidentiality

During the data collection process, privacy and confidentiality will be given priority. The

data gathered will be kept securely in one of the researcher's password-protected desktops. The

participants will be assigned to pseudonyms rather than their actual names. Only the researchers

will be given access to these data and identifiers. The identifiers that will be taken will serve as

the attendance log and will be used in the administration of the questionnaires, to ensure that the

data would not be traceable, thus ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

Informed Consent Process

The participants will be first contacted through the preferred messaging platform (i.e.

messenger, email, or text). The informants will be sent a PDF copy of the informed consent form

including information such as the procedure of the study, details, as well as full disclosure of the

associated risks and benefits that come with their participation. The informed consent will also

state that it is voluntary, and withdrawal may be done at any point of the research process. Prior to

conducting the study, the informants will be allotted one (1) week to decide whether they would

join the study. The contact information of the researchers will also be written on the informed

consent form should the participants need to contact them for inquiries or concerns.

Vulnerability

The informants of the research are not considered to be included in the vulnerable group.
 24

Recruitment

The researchers will contact the emergency room nurses from referrals of other nurses and

also send a message to them from different messaging platforms (i.e. messenger, email, or text).

The participants will then be screened using the Maslach-Burnout Inventory (MBI). The

informants are chosen through random sampling of the members of the population of interest. This

allowed the researchers to gain insights and a better understanding of the lived experience of the

informants.

Risks

Potential risk that can be associated with the participant can be a risk for privacy and

confidentiality. Another risk would be exhaustion both mentally and physically as the participants

will allot their resting time to join the study. The researchers will ask permission from the

participants to audio record the interview. The participants have the right not to answer any

questions or withdraw at any point of the interview whenever they feel uncomfortable, evenso, the

information they will be sharing will be kept private and confidential. Sufficient time will be given

to the participant to ask for clarifications regarding the interview and to read and understand the

consent form.

Benefits

There is no direct benefit to the informants however, through the study, they will gain an

understanding on the concept of burnout and identify ways to manage or prevent it and insights on

how the working environment can be improved. Informants will also be referred to counseling and

support groups to provide an avenue for managing their burnout. Janeway, D. (2020), stated that

providing psychiatry/mental health services to medical professionals with burnout lessens the
 25

impact that they face when treating patients compared to when they do not have any support. This

would provide them with an outlet to express their feelings and concerns.

Incentives or compensation

As a token of appreciation, each of the informants will be given an online certificate of

participation through their personal email and 300 pesos through the informant’s preferred money

transferring service (i.e. G-Cash, Palawan Express, etc.). This expresses the gratitude of the

researchers for the time and effort that they have given for this study.
 26

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 31

APPENDIX A

TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR THE DEAN OF VELEZ COLLEGE - COLLEGE

OF NURSING

November 05, 2021

Ma. Carol R. Kangleon, RN, MN, DScN

Dean, College of Nursing,
Velez College

Dear Dr. Kangleon,

Greetings!

We, the members of Group 11 of BSN 3-A, are currently conducting a study entitled “The Lived
Experience of Emergency Room Nurses on Occupational Burnout in Selected Tertiary Hospitals
in Cebu." This study is an academic requirement in our subject, Nursing Research 1 and 2. In this
regard, our group would like to explore the Lived Experience of Emergency Room Nurses on
Occupational Burnouts.

To achieve this, the researchers would like to be granted your approval to conduct the study in
selected tertiary hospitals in Cebu. The informants will be composed of emergency room nurses
who passed the screening using the Maslach-Burnout Inventory.

For the data collection, an hour long online interview will be allocated for each informant. Before
the start of the interview, the researchers will concisely explain the objectives and the guideline
for the interview. The data will be collected via Zoom Meetings at the informant’s most preferred
time. Each informant will be informed that they have the right to refuse the interview and this is
completely voluntary. Once the interview has finished, privacy and safety of data obtained will be
observed.

Attached with this letter is a copy of the guide questions that will be used when interviewing the
informants and the informed consent form. We hope this request of conducting our study would
merit your approval. Thank you and God bless!

Sincerely,
 32

Brettel Therese M. Remotigue ___Trisha Marie V. Aquino___

Researcher Researcher

_____Erika M. Santos______ ____Lans Mikael C. Tagab____

Researcher Researcher

Noted by:
Marc Ebony C. Sumalinog RN, MSN Valerie Mae M. Bualat RN, MN(c)
Research Instructor Research Adviser

Approved by:

Ma. Carol R. Kangleon RN, MN, DScN

Dean, Velez College - College of Nursing
 33

APPENDIX B

TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR THE CHIEF NURSE OF [INSTITUTION]

November 05, 2021

Name
Chief Nurse
Institution

Greetings!

We are the members of Group 11 of BSN 3-A Nursing Research, and we are currently doing a
study in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Our study is entitled “The Lived Experience of Emergency Room Nurses on Occupational Burnout
in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Cebu”. Our group would like to know their perception of what
the possible reasons are why emergency room nurses experience burnout.

To accomplish this endeavor, we would like to ask your permission to conduct the study with your
staff nurses in the emergency room. The respondents will only be composed of emergency room
nurses and will undergo a screening using the Maslach-Burnout Inventory (MBI). The nurses who
qualify for the study based on their responses on the questionnaire, will proceed to the interviews.
Interviews will be done with the clients through Zoom Meetings for data collection.

We greatly hope that this request of conducting our study in your emergency room nurses would
merit your approval. God bless and have a great day!

Sincerely,
Brettel Therese M. Remotigue ___Trisha Marie V. Aquino___
Researcher Researcher

_____Erika M. Santos______ ____Lans Mikael C. Tagab____

Researcher Researcher

Noted by:
Marc Ebony C. Sumalinog RN, MSN Valerie Mae M. Bualat RN, MN(c)
Research Instructor Research Adviser

Approved by:

Ma. Carol R. Kangleon RN, MN, DScN

Dean, Velez College - College of Nursing
 34

APPENDIX C

CONSENT FORM
VELEZ COLLEGE - COLLEGE OF NURSING
41 F. RAMOS STREET, CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES

The Lived Experience of Emergency Room Nurses on Occupational Burnout in

Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Cebu

Good day, respondents!

We are group 11 of BSN 3-A Nursing Research from Velez College and we are currently
conducting a study on the lived experiences of emergency room nurses with occupational burnout.
You have been selected as a research respondent in our research, titled “The Lived Experience of
Emergency Room Nurses on Occupational Burnout in Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Cebu”, since
you fit our criteria for research respondents. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary.
Please read the information below and feel free to ask about your queries before deciding whether
or not to participate.

Purpose of the Research

The emergency room is one of the busiest departments in a hospital. Emergency room nurses tend
to experience a different kind of stress due to their work environment. With that in mind, we
believe that you can help us by sharing your experiences working in an emergency room while
experiencing burnout. On the other hand, we want to explore your experiences as an emergency
room nurse that has led you to experience occupational burnout. We would also like to learn how
occupational burnout has affected your quality of care as well as how you deal with the burnout.
This study is a requirement of Nursing Research 1 and 2 in Velez College and is in no way affiliated
with any other existing organizations.

Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to explore and share the lived experiences of emergency room nurses with
occupational burnout.

Procedures
If you volunteer to participate in this study, you will be asked to do the following:

1. We will ask you to participate in the gathering of data regarding your lived experiences as
an emergency room nurse and how it came to the point that you experienced burnout. Note:
Once you have read and fully understood the procedures, and if you agree to participate,
you will be asked to answer a survey questionnaire, the Maslach-Burnout Inventory (MBI),
 35

which takes 5 minutes of your time. However, if you wish not to participate in the study,
you may disregard the questionnaire given to you.
2. We will utilize a questionnaire, specifically made for this study, while conducting the
interview. The interview will be conducted through your preferred video conferencing
platform. Note: The questionnaire is composed of questions that fully grasps the idea
regarding the experiences of emergency room nurses working with occupational burnout.
3. All the student nurses conducting the study are officially enrolled in the academic year of
2021-2022.
4. All research data gathered will be encoded on a password-protected computer- protected
in a restricted Google Drive folder under the same email address which can only be
accessed by the researchers and no other person, other than the researchers, will have access
to the uploaded folder. After gathering the data, it will be organized, validated and
interpreted once the researchers have collected all the responses from the respondents after
the interview. After using the data, documents kept in the folder shall be deleted from the
restricted Google Drive folder and all printed copies of the document used in the study
(like answered questionnaires) will be shredded and discarded 3-5 years from the
completion of the research study. When the study is completed, you may contact the
researchers if you wish to know the study results regarding the overall experience of
occupational burnout as an emergency room nurse. We will send it to you through your
email address.
5. If ever you might have untoward questions and concerns, such as possible technical
difficulties during the interview, you may directly contact the researchers through email or
mobile phone and we will try to address your concerns as soon as possible. The researchers
are readily available from Monday to Saturday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) in addressing your
questions and concerns regarding the study.

Potential Risks and Discomforts

Any risks, discomforts, or inconveniences will be minor since the respondent will not have to face
the researchers in person while accomplishing the online interview. A possible risk would involve
the privacy and confidentiality of the data. However, the researchers will ensure that the data is
secured in a password-protected computer. If discomforts become a problem, you may discontinue
your participation at any given time. Note: If you have decided that you don’t want to volunteer,
contact any of the researchers, and state your reason why you want to quit partaking in the said
study.

Potential Benefits
If you consent to participate in the research study, you will be given the opportunity to share your
lived experiences as an emergency room nurse burnout to future researchers and other healthcare
providers. You will also have the chance to learn about your current state as an emergency room
nurse experiencing burnout. The study will have no direct benefit to the respondents, however, it
 36

can help hospital administrators and chief nurses to learn more about the experiences of emergency
room nurses and how to deal with the occupational burnout better in the working environment. We
may also refer you to support groups or counselors to provide you with a method of managing
your burnout.

Compensation for Participation

You will receive a certificate of appreciation and 300 pesos after accomplishing the interview.
This will serve as compensation and the researcher’s token of gratitude for your participation in
this study. There is also no monetary cost for your participation in this study.

Confidentiality
Any detail that is obtained in connection with this study and that can be identified towards you
will remain confidential and will be disclosed only with your permission or as required by law.
The confidentiality of the information will be preserved by the means of using pseudonyms as key
identifiers for data management purposes only. Information that can identify you individually will
not be released to anyone outside the research study. We also may use information that we get
from this study in any way we think is best for publication or education. Any information we use
for the publication will not identify you individually.

Identification of Investigators
If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please feel free to contact the researchers.

Regarding the study, you can contact:

Name Phone Email

Brettel Remotigue 0966 497 0772 remotigue.brettel@gmail.com

Trisha Aquino 0995 624 1939 foraquino360@gmail.com

Erika Santos 0968 694 9457 erikasantos0613@gmail.com

Lans Tagab 0997 887 1098 lanstagab6@gmail.com

Regarding your rights as a research respondent, you can contact Mrs. Kachiri T. Salibio-Mercadal
at (032) 253 1871 or through email velezerc@gmail.com respectively.

Sincerely,

Brettel Therese M. Remotigue

Researcher
 37

_Trisha Marie V. Aquino_

Researcher

____Erika M. Santos_____
Researcher

__Lans Mikael C. Tagab__

Researcher

CONSENT FORM

I have read the foregoing information, or it has been read to me. I have had the opportunity to ask
questions about it and any questions I have been asked have been answered to my satisfaction. I
consent voluntarily to be a participant in this study.

______________________________________
Signature Over Printed Name of Participant

Date___________________________
Day / Month / Year

A copy of this ICF has been provided to the participant.

______________________________________
Signature Over Printed Name of Researcher
Date ___________________________
Day / Month / Year
 38

APPENDIX D

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT: MASLACH-BURNOUT INVENTORY

November 05, 2021

Dear Respondent,

Greetings! We are the members of Group 11 of BSN3A and we are currently conducting a study
in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Our
study is entitled “The Lived Experience of Emergency Room Nurses on Occupational Burnout in
Selected Tertiary Hospitals in Cebu”. In order to accomplish this, we would like to ask for a few
minutes of your time to answer this questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask you about your
feelings and your perceived burnout on different aspects of your life including personal, work-
related, and client-related burnout. This will take about five minutes to accomplish. Rest assured
that all the information and answers you provide will be used with discretion. After this screening
procedure, should you be qualified based on your responses in the questionnaire, you will be
scheduled for an interview that will take approximately one hour. This interview will be done in a
private session through the preferred video conferencing platform of the participant with the
researchers and you will be asked about your experiences as an emergency room nurse and burnout
related to this. The return of this questionnaire signifies your willingness to be a part of this study.
Thank you very much and God bless!

Respectfully,
Brettel Therese M. Remotigue ___Trisha Marie V. Aquino___
Researcher Researcher

_____Erika M. Santos______ ____Lans Mikael C. Tagab____

Researcher Researcher

Noted by:
Marc Ebony C. Sumalinog RN, MSN Valerie Mae M. Bualat RN, MN(c)
Research Instructor Research Adviser

Approved by:

Ma. Carol R. Kangleon RN, MN, DScN

Dean, Velez College - College of Nursing
 39

Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)

Questions Never A few Once a A Few Once A Few A Few

times month Times a Times Times
per year per Week per per
Month Week Week

Section A: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

I feel emotionally drained

by my work

Working with people all

day long requires a great
deal of effort.

I feel like my work is

breaking me down.

I feel frustrated by my
work.

I feel I work too hard at

my job.

It stresses me too much to

work in direct contact
with people.

I feel like I’m at the end

of my tether.

Total score – SECTION

A

Questions Never A few Once a A Few Once a A Few A Few

times per month Times Week Times Times
year per per per
Month Week Week

Section B: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

I feel I deal with my

team/ colleagues
impersonally, as if they
 40

are objects

I feel tired when I get up

in the morning and have
to face another day at
work.

I have the impression

that my team/ colleagues
make me responsible for
some of their problems.

I am at the end of my
patience at the end of my
work day.

I really don’t care about

what happens to some of
my team/ colleagues.

I have become more

insensitive to people in
the workplace.

I’m afraid that this job is

making me uncaring.

Total score –
SECTION B

Questions: Never A few Once a A Few Once A Few A Few

times per month Times a Times Times
year per Week per per
Month Week Week

Section C: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6

I accomplished many
worthwhile things in this
job.

I feel full of energy.

I am easily able to
understand what my
team/colleagues feel.
 41

I look after my
team/colleagues
problems very
effectively.

In my work, I handle
emotional problems very
calmly.

Through my work, I feel

that I have a positive
influence on people.

I am easily able to create

a relaxed atmosphere
with my
team/colleagues.

I feel refreshed when I

have been close to my
team/ colleagues at
work.

Total score –
SECTION C

The researchers will employ the following rating scale for the participant’s response:
SCORING RESULTS – INTERPRETATION

Section A: Emotional exhaustion

Emotional exhaustion: Testifies to fatigue at the very idea of work, chronic fatigue, trouble
sleeping, physical problems. For the MBI, as well as for most authors, “exhaustion would be the
key component of the syndrome.” Unlike depression, the problems disappear outside work.

Total 17 or less: Low-level burnout

Total between 18 and 29 inclusive: Moderate burnout
Total over 30: High-level burnout

Section B: Cynicism

“Cynicism” (or loss of empathy): Rather a “dehumanisation” in interpersonal relations. The notion
of detachment is excessive, leading to cynicism with negative attitudes with regard to colleagues,
 42

feeling of guilt, avoidance of social contacts and withdrawing into oneself. The professional blocks
the empathy they can show to their colleagues.

Total 5 or less: Low-level burnout

Total between 6 and 11 inclusive: Moderate burnout
Total of 12 and greater: High-level burnout

Section C: Personal Achievement

The reduction of personal achievement: The individual assesses themselves negatively, feels they
are unable to move the situation forward. This component represents the demotivating effects of a
difficult, repetitive situation leading to failure despite efforts. The person begins to doubt their
genuine abilities to accomplish things. This aspect is a consequence of the first two.

Total 33 or less: High-level burnout

Total between 34 and 39 inclusive: Moderate burnout
Total greater than 40: Low-level burnout

A high score in the first two sections and a low score in the last section may indicate
burnout.
 43

APPENDIX E

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT: SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEW GUIDE

Name:
Age:
Contact Number:
Introduction:
Good Morning/afternoon! We are 3rd year nursing students from Velez College conducting a
research study on the lived experiences of emergency room nurses on occupational burnout. Before
everything else, may we ask for your name. For the interview, we will ask you questions regarding
your experiences in the field of nursing, specifically in the emergency room. If you wish to
discontinue the interview, as stated in the consent form, you are allowed to do so at any time. We
are happy to address your concerns and queries, if you have any.

Initial Questions:
● How old are you?
● How long have you been working as an emergency room nurse?
● What hospital are you currently working at?
● How long have you been working there?
● What time period is your working shift?

Interview Proper:
1. What are your duties as an emergency room nurse?
2. What kind of patients do you usually encounter?
3. How do you feel when you encounter such patients?
4. How do you usually feel at work? How do you usually present/express yourself?
5. Have you experienced burnout? What is it like?
6. What signs usually indicate that you are experiencing burnout?
7. What factors do you think contribute to your burnout? Why do you think so?
8. What do you usually do when you know that you are experiencing burnout? Do these
practices help relieve your burnout? How?
9. How do you usually handle your patients when you are experiencing burnout? Is there a
difference with your care when you are not experiencing burnout? How is it different?
10. Did you inform your superiors about this experience? What has been done to manage it?
11. Is your burnout relieved after your working hours? If yes, why do you think so? If not,
why do you think so?
12. How does your burnout affect you?
13. How does your burnout affect your relationship with your family?
14. How does your burnout affect your relationship with your colleagues?
 44

15. What do you think should be done in order to reduce the occurrences of burnout among
nurses?

Debriefing:
● How do you feel about being a part of this research?
● Is there anything you would like to add?
● After this interview, what are your realizations about your experience with burnout?
● Do you feel like you understand yourself better after the interview?
 45

APPENDIX F

PROJECT WORK PLAN

TASKS TO
BE
2021 2022
PERFORME
D

A. Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Ma Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept
Conceptual r
Design &
Planning
phase

1. Develop
research
proposal with
guidance from
adviser &
research
instructor

2.
Presentation,
Oral defense
& Approval of
Research
Proposal

3. Make
revisions to
research
proposal per
panel's
corrections &
recommendati
on

4. Submit
finalized
proposal
output
together with
compliance
checklist to
research
 46

instructor

5. Have 3
experts review
research
instrument for
content &
construct
validity and
make
revisions as
appropriate

6. Have 3
experts review
research
instrument for
content &
construct
validity and
make
revisions as
appropriate

B. Empirical
Phase

1. Screen
possible
respondents

2.Give
consent forms
to research
participants

3. Actual data
collection:
Interview with
the research
informants

4. Collate data
collected &
organize for
analysis
 47

C. Analytic
Phase

1. Actual
analysis: IPA
method of
data analysis

2. Interpret
findings

3. Prepare
final thesis
output

D.
Disseminatio
n Phase

1. Present
draft of
research study
to research
instructor for
preliminary
correction.

2. Submit final
draft of the
Research
Study

3. Research
Study Oral
Defense

4. Make
revisions to
research study
output per
panel’s
recommendati
on

5. Submit
corrected
research paper
 48

together with
a compliance
110 checklist
to obtain a
Library Filling
Clearance.

6. Submit a
hardbound
copy of the
research study
to Velez
College
Library

7. Plan &
conduct a
research
utilization
project.

APPENDIX G
FINANCIAL PLAN
Line - Item Budget
A. Salaries
B. Honoraria
1. Research Adviser
2. Panelist for Final
Thesis Defense
C. Stipends/Incentives
1. Research
Respondents
Sub-total (personnel Services)
II. Capital Outlay
A. Desktop/ Laptop Computer
B. Inkjet Printer
49
Amount Justification
- Investigators are not entitled to salaries
since this is a school requirement.
Entitled to receive a token/gift certificate
500 (A Master’s degree holder who works as
a full-time clinical instructor, will render
approximately 2 hours of consultation
including checking of the research
manuscript).
Entitled to receive a token/gift certificate
250 (A Master’s degree holder who works as
a full-time clinical instructor, will render
approximately 1 hour of his/her services
which include critiquing the research
proposal and making corrections on the
written output).
Entitled to receive a token/gift certificate
(A Master’s degree holder who works as
a full-time clinical instructor, will render
approximately 1 hour of his/her services
which include critiquing the final
research proposal and making necessary
corrections).
3,000 Entitled to receive a token and online
certificate for participation.
3,750
- Owned by investigators
- Owned by one of the investigators
 50

Sub-total (Capital outlay) -

III. Maintenance & Other

Operating Expenses

A. Transportation
B. Supplies & Materials
1. Short size bond 250
paper (x1 ream)
2. Blank Ink cartridge
refill (x2 refills) 500
3. Colored Ink
Cartridge (x1 ink
refill)
4. Photocopying of 300
research
Manuscripts
5. Ring Binding to 6 300 3 manuscripts for thesis proposal & 3
manuscripts manuscripts for final research paper
6. Bookbinding offinal 300
research manuscript

C. Sundry Expenses
1. Communication
150 Call & SMS shall be primary means of
communication of the investigators who
all have ‘unlimited call & text’ postpaid
plans shouldered by parents

2. Internet access - Bundled with phone built; shouldered by

parents

3. Miscellaneous - Derived from 10% of the tentative total

budget; shall be allotted for the purchase
of petty items (i.e. ballpens, staple wires,
paper clips), and for incidental expenses.

Sub-total (Maintenance and

operation) 1,800

Total Research Budget 5,550

 51

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA
Name: Trisha Marie V. Aquino
Address: San Isidro, Talisay City, Cebu
Place of Birth: Cebu City, Philippines
Date of Birth: September 1, 2000
Sex: Female
Age: 21 years old
Contact number: 09956241939
Email Address: foraquino360@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Grade School: Asian College of Technology (2006 - 2013)
Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu

Junior High School: Monterey School Incorporated (2013 - 2017)

San Isidro, Talisay City, Cebu

Senior High School: Southwestern University - PHINMA (2017 - 2019)

Villa Aznar, Urgello St., Cebu 6000

College: Velez College- College of Nursing (2019 - present)

41 F. Ramos Street Cebu City 6000

CLUBS/SEMINARS ATTENDED

S.Y. 2013 - 2017: Monterey School Incorporated: BLAZE Journalism Club

SY. 2013-2014 & 2015-2016: Monterey School Incorporated: MSI Dance Troupe
S.Y. 2014 - 2016: Monterey School Incorporated: MSI High School SBO
S.Y. 2014 -2015: Monterey School Incorporated: MSI Feeding Program
SY. 2014-2015, 2015-2016, & 2016 - 2017: Monterey School Incorporated: MSI Volleyball
Varsity Team
 52

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA
Name: Brettel Therese M. Remotigue
Address: Villa Lucita Subd., Uldog, Cansojong, Talisay City, Cebu
Place of Birth: Cebu City
Date of Birth: October 01, 2000
Sex: Female
Age: 21 years old
Contact Number: 0966 497 0772
Email Address: remotigue.brettel@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Grade School: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus (2006-2013)
Don Jose Avila St., Cebu City 6000

Junior High School: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus (2013-2017)

Don Jose Avila St., Cebu City 6000

Senior High School: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus (2017-2019)

Don Jose Avila St., Cebu City 6000

College: Velez College- college of Nursing (2019 - present)

41 F. Ramos Street Cebu City 6000

ORGANIZATIONS/SEMINARS ATTENDED
S.Y. 2016 - 2017: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus: Red Cross Youth
S.Y. 2016 - 2017: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus: Share Publication
S.Y. 2016 - 2017: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus: COMELEC
S.Y. 2016 - 2017: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus: Mulan School Play Assistant Director
2017: Red Cross Youth Summer Institute
2017-2018: Red Cross Youth - Cebu chapter
S.Y. 2017-2018: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesús: Hijas TONO
S.Y. 2017-2018: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesús: S.H.O.E.
S.Y. 2018-2019: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus: Hijas TONO
S.Y. 2018-2019: Sacred Heart School - Hijas de Jesus: S.H.O.E.
S.Y. 2020-2021: Velez College - College of Nursing: student Body Organization
S.Y. 2021-2022: Velez College - College of Nursing: student Body Organization
2021: Operation Smile Philippines - College Leadership Council
 53

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA
Name: Erika M. Santos
Address: Punta Princesa Cebu City
Place of Birth: Francis Limay Bataan.
Date of Birth: June 13, 2000
Sex: Female
Age: 21 years old
Contact number: 09686949457
Email Address: erikasantos0613@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Grade School: Bacong Elementary School (2005-2006)
St. Francis II, Limay Bataan 2106
Boljoon Elementary School (2007-2008)
Boljoon, Cebu 6024
Dalaguete elementary School (2008-2009)
Dalaguete, Cebu 6022
San Jose Puerto Princesa Elementary School (2009-2012)
Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300

Junior High School: Palawan Hope Christian School (2012-2017)

Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300

Senior High School: Rizwood Colleges (2017-2019)

Cabreros, st. Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City 6000

College: Velez College- college of Nursing (2019 - present)

41 F. Ramos Street Cebu City 6000
 54

CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DATA

Name: Lans Mikael C. Tagab

Address: Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro
Place of Birth: Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
Date of Birth: January 20, 2001
Sex: 20 years old
Contact Number: 09978871098
Email Address: lanstagab6@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Grade School: Xavier University Grade School-Ateneo de

Cagayan (2005-2014)
Junior High School: Xavier University Junior High School- Ateneo de Cagayan (2014- 2017)
Senior High School: Xavier University Senior High School – Ateneo de Cagayan (2017- 2019)
College: Velez College – College of Nursing (2019-present)

CLUBS/SEMINARS ATTENDED

S.Y 2016-2017 : Ted Ed Club Member

S.Y 2016-2017: Xavier University Junior High School: Tulong dunong Program
S.Y 2018-2019: Society of San Pedro Calungsod
 55

CURRICULUM VITAE

Valerie Mae M. Bualat

Maguikay, Mandaue City
09328844211 or valeriebualat@gmail.com

EDUCATION

Candidate, Masters in Nursing Major in Medical-Surgical Nursing

Cebu Normal University, Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Velez College, F. Ramos St., Cebu City – 2004

Secondary Education
Saint Louis School of Mandaue, Sudlon Maguikay, Mandaue City – 2000

Primary Education
Sotero B. Cabahug FORU for Literacy, Centro, Mandaue City – 1996

WORK EXPERIENCE

Nurse Educator
Velez College- College of Nursing, F. Ramos St., Cebu City
November 2008 – Present

Nurse
Cebu (Velez) General Hospital, F. Ramos St., Cebu City
October 2004 -November 2008