WS09.3 Professional quality of life among CF healthcare providers

Abstract

Objectives Professional quality of life (ProQOL) is a validated concept used across various helping professions. It appears relevant considering the level of functioning of healthcare professionals (HCP). We aimed to describe ProQOL among HCP serving patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to explore the association with demographic and work-related variables. Methods HCP from 15 German CF-centers were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding demographic and work-related information and the Professional Quality of Life Scale measuring Compassion Satisfaction (CS), Burnout (BO), and Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). Results Preliminary results based on N = 57 responding HCP ( M = 45.5 years; 77% female; 23% physicians, 32% nurses, 45% allied healthcare professionals) revealed that CS ( M = 37.9±4.7) was reported more frequently compared to BO ( M = 21.3±3.7) and STS ( M = 19.6±3.9). No differences were found for gender or age, profession, and full-time versus part-time work, neither for duration of work experience nor for general or CF-specific case load. Years of serving patients with CF was significantly correlated with STS ( r = 0.34; p = 0.011). Conclusion The study group is characterized by a high level of professional satisfaction and relatively low levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. However, cumulative secondary traumatic stress may occur over the years when serving patients with CF. Selection effects will be discussed, as well as the possible benefits to screen HCP for ProQOL.