A cross‐sectional examination of factors associated with compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue across healthcare workers in an academic medical centre

Abstract

Compassion satisfaction (CS) among healthcare professionals is a sense of gratification derived from caring for their suffering patients. In contrast, compassion fatigue, often a consequence of burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS), is detrimental to healthcare professionals' productivity and patient care. While several studies have examined CS, BO, and STS among healthcare professionals, the majority have assessed samples in specific disciplines. However, the comparative differences in these factors by discipline or work setting are not well known. The aims of this study were to examine the differences in CS, BO, and STS by discipline and work setting, and to assess demographic, work-related, and behavioural factors associated with these outcomes. An electronic survey was administered (N = 764) at a large academic medical centre in the southeast United States. Questions elicited demographic variables, workrelated factors, behavioural/lifestyle factors, experience with workplace violence, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Findings of the study determined that the rates of CS, BO, and STS vary across healthcare disciplines and work settings. Demographic, work-related, behavioural, and work setting (i.e., experience of workplace violence) factors were differentially associated with experiences of CS, BO, and STS. The results of the study suggest two potential areas for research, specifically workplace violence and sleep quality as a means of further understanding reduced CS and increased BO and STS among healthcare workers. These findings have important implications for future research and policy interventions to enhance healthcare workers' health and safety.

Correlates of post‐traumatic growth among nursing professionals: A cross‐sectional analysis

“…This secondary analysis was based on data derived from a convenience sample of health care workers at a large academic medical centre in the south‐eastern United States. The parent study was based on a cross‐sectional analysis from data obtained through a 10‐min electronic survey to understand issues which affected professional quality of life, traumatic experiences and PTG among health care workers (Okoli et al., 2020). Eligibility criteria for the parent study included being: (a) currently employed (either part‐time or full‐time) within the academic medical centre, (b) involved in patient care and (c) 18 years of age or older.…”

Psychological Adjustment of Healthcare Workers in Italy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Differences in Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Secondary Trauma, and Compassion Satisfaction between Frontline and Non-Frontline Professionals

“…Figley [18] extended this concept to a combination of behavioral and emotional reactions following attempts to aid traumatized people. Compassion satisfaction represents the positive aspect of being a healthcare worker, related to an empathetic attitude and inclination to take care of suffering patients [9,22,23]. These factors play a fundamental role in professional quality of life [24][25][26]; stress and negative affects seem to be positively correlated with compassion fatigue, whereas positive affect and personal/social factors are positively correlated with compassion satisfaction [9].…”

Qualitative study on the causes and consequences of compassion fatigue from the perspective of nurses

“…If this exhaustion continues over time, it represents a clear threat to the mental health of professionals. Other contributing causes are an excessive workload, rotating shifts, the work environment (including relationships between professionals), and high physical, emotional, and spiritual demands (Okoli et al 2020; Oshodi et al 2019; Ruiz‐Fernández et al 2019).…”