Compassion Fatigue Resiliency Program Effects on Oncology-Hematology Nurses' Professional Quality of Life, Stress Levels, and Patients' Care Satisfaction: Nurse, Nurse Manager, and Patient Perspectives, a Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Compassion Fatigue Resiliency Program applied to oncology-hematology nurses on the professional quality of life and stress levels of nurses, on the satisfaction of cancer patients, and on the perspectives of nurse managers. Data SourcesAn experimental embedded mixed-methods design was conducted between December 20, 2022, and February 20, 2023. The study included 15 oncology-hematology nurses, 19 cancer patients, and 6 nurse managers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients and pre-tests were applied to patients and nurses. The Compassion Fatigue Resiliency Program was implemented for the nurses. Then qualitative interviews were repeated with the same patients; focus group interviews were conducted with the nurse managers; post-tests were applied to patients and nurses who participated in the training; and narrative feedback was collected. Quantitative data analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data were processed using an inductive approach to thematic analysis. ConclusionCompassion satisfaction decreased after the Compassion Fatigue Resiliency Program. Qualitative results showed that the training program improved nurses' effective communication skills and ability to cope with stress. The program improved nurses’ approach to patients and communication, and patients' care satisfaction levels increased. Implications for Nursing PracticeThe Compassion Fatigue Resiliency Program should be included in hospital in-service training programs and implemented and sustained. With this, compassion fatigue of nurses can be reduced or prevented, which will help to avoid the nurse shortages that already existing and increasing.