Association of Compassion Satisfaction and Burnout among Nurses Dealing with COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented stress on healthcare workers, particularly nurses working in intensive care and high-dependency units. Understanding the dynamics of compassion satisfaction and burnout in this context is crucial for developing effective support mechanisms. Objective: This study aimed to assess the levels of compassion satisfaction and burnout among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients and to explore the association between these variables and demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six tertiary care hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from February to December 2021. A total of 365 nurses were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through demographic questionnaires and modified ProQOL scales for compassion satisfaction and burnout. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing chi-square tests for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables to explore associations and differences. Results: The mean compassion satisfaction score was high at 43.93 ± 4.17, with significant differences observed across age, qualification, and experience groups but not between genders. Male nurses reported a slightly higher compassion satisfaction score (43.96 ± 4.14) than female nurses (43.92 ± 4.19). The average burnout score was 23.26 ± 4.09, with significant differences noted across gender and age groups. Male nurses and those in older age groups exhibited higher levels of burnout. A moderate negative correlation between compassion satisfaction and burnout was identified (r = -0.32). Conclusion: The study highlights high levels of compassion satisfaction among nurses, with variations across demographic factors. A moderate negative association between compassion satisfaction and burnout suggests that enhancing nurses' compassion satisfaction could be a strategic approach to mitigate burnout. Healthcare systems should implement targeted interventions to support nurses' well-being, especially for more vulnerable groups.