Abstract
BackgroundA few recent studies have reported that having the ability to provide self-compassion can reduce health professionals’ levels of anxiety and stress, the risk of compassion fatigue, and burnout, and it can generally improve their well-being. Therefore, there is evidence to support further research into the investigation and exploration of self-compassion education and training for health professionals.ObjectiveThis study aims to increase the knowledge and understanding of self-compassion and how this may enhance the health and well-being of health professionals.MethodsThe proposed research study will adopt a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. This study will be conducted in 3 phases. Phase 1 will use a pre-educational self-compassion questionnaire (web-based survey) to collect data from participants at 3 time points (before, immediately after, and after follow-up at 6-8 weeks) after they have attended a self-compassion education and training program. Phase 2 will use an interview schedule to explore the participants’ views and experiences through a follow-up focus group or individual interview. Finally, phase 3 will include data integration and dissemination of key findings and recommendations.ResultsThis study was approved by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee and the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of South Australia on June 26, 2021 (ID: 204,074). A scoping review was conducted to inform this research study (focusing on nurses and midwives). The preparatory phase was completed in April 2021. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by June 2022 and phase 2 will commence in July 2022.ConclusionsThe key findings from the data integration for this research project will provide in-depth details and insights to broaden the discussion about self-compassion and its influence on health professionals’ health and well-being. Health professionals (nurses and midwives) may benefit from self-compassion education and training programs to improve their health and well-being.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/34372
Highlights
BackgroundSelf-care relates to any activity undertaken to take care of oneself and encompasses physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health
This study aims to answer the following research questions: (1) What does self-compassion mean for health professionals? (2) What does compassion for others mean to health professionals? (3) What influence will self-compassion education and training have on health professionals’ health and well-being? (4) Are high levels of anxiety and stress associated with low levels of self-compassion, mood, and well-being among health professionals?
The sequential explanatory design enables reporting the results from the 3 time point questionnaires, findings from the your self-compassion workshop, and the interviews to make general conclusions from the collective results or findings
Summary
BackgroundSelf-care relates to any activity undertaken to take care of oneself and encompasses physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health. Self-care is well recognized to reduce levels of anxiety and stress and improve mood. Self-care is often neglected, and being kind and compassionate to oneself is overlooked. Self-compassion was defined as “being caring and compassionate towards oneself in the face of hardship or perceived inadequacy,” [1]. Self-kindness involves warmth and an understanding for oneself when faced with difficulties in life and painful experiences and not being overly critical and judgmental of oneself. Common humanity involves recognizing that difficulties in life and painful experiences do not just happen to you but are a shared human experience. A few recent studies have reported that having the ability to provide self-compassion can reduce health professionals’ levels of anxiety and stress, the risk of compassion fatigue, and burnout, and it can generally improve their well-being. There is evidence to support further research into the investigation and exploration of self-compassion education and training for health professionals
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