High Levels Of Compassion Fatigue Research Articles

Compassion Fatigue in Out of Home Care Workers: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Evidence suggests that providing out-of-home care to children is associated with high levels of compassion fatigue, possibly due to various work-related factors. This review examined the existing literature to determine the extent to which out of home care work results in compassion fatigue. To do so, it established which out of home care settings compassion fatigue has been measured in, how, and what factors contribute to developing compassion fatigue in this work. The study conducted a comprehensive search of five electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMED, and CENTRAL) for full-text articles examining compassion fatigue in out-of-home care workers caring for children aged 0–18 years. Out of the 2,759 articles initially identified, 14 articles were included. Studies were assessed against the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists for risk of bias. The findings suggest that compassion fatigue is prevalent in various out-of-home care settings and has been measured using validated quantitative and qualitative measures. Out of home care workers caring for children reported symptoms consistent with compassion fatigue, but a range of protective factors were also identified that may reduce its negative impact. This review highlights the need for further research in this area, using larger sample sizes and including a more comprehensive range of out-of-home care workers, settings, and countries.

Compassion fatigue and stress related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a study of critical care nurses’ experiences

BackgroundCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is considered one of the most stressful experiences in critical care nursing; it directly and indirectly leads to compassion fatigue and burnout.AimDetermine the levels of and relationship between postcode stress and compassion fatigue.Design and methodsA descriptive-correlational study using 300 critical care nurses from five intensive care units in two hospitals was conducted.ToolsDemographic and work-related data, the Postcode Stress Scale, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale: Compassion Fatigue subscale.ResultsNurses had moderate to high postcode stress and compassion fatigue (67.98 ± 16.39 and 65.40±14.34, respectively). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between postcode stress, burnout (r=0.350, p=<0.001), secondary traumatic stress (r=0.518, p=<0.001), and subsequently, compassion fatigue (r=0.449, p=<0.001). In addition, higher levels of postcode stress were associated with higher levels of compassion fatigue with its subscales: burnout and secondary traumatic stress, with a coefficient of determination for compassion fatigue (0.199), burnout subscale (0.121), and secondary traumatic stress (0.266).ConclusionCritical care nurses involved in resuscitation experiences are susceptible to postcode stress, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue. There is a significant relationship between these factors, with higher levels of postcode stress contributing to higher levels of compassion fatigue and its subscales: burnout and secondary traumatic stress. These results highlight the importance of addressing and managing the psychological well-being of nurses in resuscitation settings to mitigate the adverse effects of stress and promote their overall resilience and well-being.

Factors associated with compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in obstetrics and gynaecology nurses: A cross-sectional study.

To examine the factors influencing compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in obstetrics and gynaecology nurses and to explore the combined results of multiple factors. An online cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from 311 nurses using a convenience sampling method from January to February 2022. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and mediation tests were performed. Compassion fatigue in obstetrics and gynaecology nurses was in the moderate to high levels. Physical status, number of children, emotional labour, lack of professional efficacy, emotional exhaustion and the none-only-child can influence compassion fatigue; lack of professional efficacy, cynicism, social support, work experience, employment status and night shift were predictive of compassion satisfaction. Social support partially mediated between lack of professional efficacy and compassion fatigue/compassion satisfaction; emotional labour moderated in the mediated analysis model. Moderate to high levels of compassion fatigue was present in 75.88% of obstetrics and gynaecology nurses. Some factors affect compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. Thus, nursing managers should consider factors and construct a monitoring system to reduce compassion fatigue and improve compassion satisfaction. The results will provide a theoretical basis for improving job satisfaction and the quality of care in obstetrics and gynaecology nurses. And this may raise concerns about the occupational health of obstetrics and gynaecology nurses in China. The study was reported according to the STROBE. The nurses spent time filling out the questionnaires during the data collection phase and answered the questions sincerely. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Obstetrics and gynaecology nurses with 4-16 years of experience are prone to experience compassion fatigue. The effect of lack of professional efficacy on compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction can be improved by social support. Reducing nurse compassion fatigue and improving compassion satisfaction are important for providing quality nursing care to obstetrics and gynaecology patients. In addition, clarifying the influencing factors of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction can improve nurses' work efficiency and job satisfaction, and provide theoretical guidance for managers to implement interventions.

Compassion fatigue and COVID‐19: A global view from nurses

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 variants, the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 may create psychological burdens on nurses. Nurses with high levels of compassion fatigue (CF) are more likely to make work errors, deliver poor-quality care, and have greater intent to leave their position. This study utilized the social-ecological model to examine factors associated with nurses' CF and compassion satisfaction (CS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from the United States, Japan, and South Korea from July to December 2020. The Professional Quality of Life Scale was used to measure burnout (BO), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and CS. Data from 662 responses were used in the analysis. Mean scores were 25.04 (±6.44) for BO, 24.81 (±6.43) for STS, and 37.85 (±7.67) for CS. Multiple regression analyses indicated that resilience and intention to leave nursing were related to each study outcome (i.e., BO, STS, and CS). Greater resilience predicted lower BO and STS but greater CS, whereas intention to leave nursing indicated greater BO and STS, but lower CS. Furthermore, intrapersonal factors and organizational factors (i.e., nurses involved in developing policies to prepare for COVID-19 patients, organizational support, and personal protective equipment [PPE] provisions) were related to BO, STS, and CS. To promote nurses' psychological well-being, improvement of organizational factors such as support, PPE, and programs to enhance resilience is recommended to prepare for future emerging infectious disease crises.

Compassion Fatigue in Small Scale Health Care Facility Nurses: Testing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The aim of the present research is to explore the levels of compassion fatigue and examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on compassion fatigue in nurses working in small scale healthcare facilities. This research compares two settings i.e., Individual and Training. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in the levels of compassion fatigue, before and after cognitive behavioral therapy interventions among nurses. Secondly, it was also hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on compassion fatigue in nurses in individual settings, as compared to training settings. A sample of 30 nurses, recruited from two small scale healthcare facilities in Karachi were screened for compassion fatigue by using Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQol) version 5. A total of Four nurses (M=24, SD=3.39) with high levels of compassion fatigue were facilitated by providing therapeutic intervention based on worksheets from a self-help workbook, ‘Overcoming Compassion Fatigue’ for both settings. The participants reported experiencing differing levels of compassion fatigue. Paired sample t- tests and Independent sample t- tests showed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) in the levels of Compassion Fatigue post intervention. The findings also suggested absence of a significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) in the levels of Compassion fatigue in nurses in individual settings as compared to training settings. The research carries implications for educators and psychologists as it proves the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating compassion fatigue. Hospital management may find it beneficial to utilize the current treatment process using cognitive behavioral therapy to relieve burnout and compassion fatigue in nurses.

Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout among Nurses

Objective: This research aimed to explore the compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and burnout levels of nurses and the correlations between these variables. Materials and Methods: The research used a correlational descriptive cross-sectional design. This research was conducted with 185 nurses in a state hospital in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey between October-November 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire form and the professional quality of life scale. Results: Nurses' compassion satisfaction was found to be low, their compassion fatigue was high, and their burnout was moderate. A negative, weak, and significant correlation was found between compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. There was a negative, weak, and insignificant correlation between compassion satisfaction and burnout, while a positive and highly significant correlation was found between compassion fatigue and burnout. Conclusions: Some intervention programs can be developed to reduce high levels of compassion fatigue among nurses. Also, stressors in the care environment/medium can be identified, and nurses’ exposure to these stressors can be prevented. Thus, compassion fatigue and burnout reduced, compassion satisfaction can be increased.

Using research-practice-policy partnerships to mitigate the effects of childhood trauma on educator burnout

BackgroundThe effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children have been immense. ObjectiveIn this commentary, we argue for the need to utilize research-practice-policy partnerships to address the issue of educator burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress. Participants and settingEducation systems have the potential to be the site of public health interventions in helping to identify and address the needs of children and families. MethodsIn this commentary, we review the literature on child trauma and adversity, educator burnout, and research-practice-policy partnerships. ResultsWith the return to in-person learning, educators, and the systems in which they work are overwhelmed by the magnitude of mental health challenges presenting in the classroom due to child trauma. As a result, many educators are reporting high levels of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and burnout, which are known predictors of leaving the workforce. Many of the strategies employed to address educator compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and burnout focus directly on the individual level (e.g., deep breathing, yoga). Yet the compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and burnout are rooted in larger system failures to address the growing needs of children and families. ConclusionsBy bringing together key community members, including educators, and utilizing local data to inform policy decisions, actionable, trauma-informed solutions can create the conditions for thriving educators and therefore, thriving children.

The experiences of patients, family caregivers, healthcare providers, and health service leaders with compassionate care following hospitalization with COVID-19: a qualitative study

Purpose This study explored the experiences of patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and health service leaders of compassion in the care of people hospitalized with COVID-19. Materials and methods This study is a secondary analysis of qualitative data deriving from primary research data on recommendations for healthcare organizations providing care to people hospitalized with COVID-19. Participants comprised patients with COVID-19 (n = 10), family caregivers (n = 5) and HCPs in COVID-19 units (n = 12). Primary research data were analyzed deductively under the “lens” of compassion, as defined by Goetz. Results Four interacting themes were found: (1) COVID-19 – to care or not to care? The importance of feeling safe, (2) A lonely illness – suffering in isolation with COVID-19, (3) Compassionate care for people with COVID-19 across the hospital continuum, and (4) Sustaining compassionate care for people hospitalized with COVID-19 – healthcare provider compassion fatigue and burnout. Conclusions Compassionate care is not a given for people hospitalized with COVID-19. Healthcare providers must feel safe to provide care before responding compassionately. People hospitalized with COVID-19 experience additional suffering through isolation. Compassionate care for people hospitalized with COVID-19 is more readily identifiable in the rehabilitation setting. However, compassion fatigue and burnout in this context threaten healthcare sustainability. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Healthcare providers need to feel physically and psychologically safe to provide compassionate care for people hospitalized with COVID-19. People hospitalized with COVID-19 infection experience added suffering through the socially isolating effects of physical distancing. Compassion and virtuous behaviours displayed by healthcare providers are expected and valued by patients and caregivers, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. High levels of compassion fatigue and burnout threaten the sustainability of hospital-based care for people with COVID-19.

Frontline nurses' compassion fatigue and associated predictive factors during the second wave of COVID-19 in Kampala, Uganda.

AimThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated contextual factors of compassion fatigue in nurses in Kampala.DesignThis study employed a cross‐sectional study design.MethodsParticipants included 395 nurses. They provided details about their demographic information. Stamm's Professional Quality of Life V‐5 was used to assess the levels of compassion fatigue. Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi‐square and Fischer's exact test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. A p‐value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the total 395 participants, 58.23% (N = 230) were female, 39.76% had a diploma, 47.09% were single, 43.54% had worked for 11–15 years, 54.94% had an exposure to COVID‐19 cases and 43.54% worked for more than 10 hr a day. 49.11% had high levels of compassion fatigue. The predictors of compassion fatigue were working experience (p‐value = <.001), exposure to COVID‐19 (p‐value = <.019), long working hours (p‐value = .003) and remuneration (p‐value = <.001).

Compassion Fatigue Among Practicing and Future Psychiatrists: A National Perspective.

Compassion fatigue is a set of emotions and behaviors that occur as a result of assisting a person who is suffering. Compassion fatigue, burnout, and low compassion satisfaction are all hazards that professional caregivers encounter. However, in comparison to non-medical workers, psychiatrists were found to have higher levels of compassion fatigue. We conducted a cross-sectional study that targeted all psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees enlisted in Saudi Arabia at the only registering body, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). The SCFHS approved and sent an online survey consisting of a three-section questionnaire concerning sociodemographic, personal, and professional information and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL 5). Compassion fatigue was found at an average level in 43.2% of participants, while 56.3% had a low level. An average level of burnout was found in 65.9% of participants, while 34.1% had a low level of burnout. Of all participants, 38.9% had an elevated level of compassion satisfaction. Participants who were diagnosed with psychiatric illness showed higher burnout scores (p<0.001). Divorced or separated participants had a higher compassion satisfaction score compared with single participants. A history of psychological trauma was associated with a higher compassion fatigue score (p=0.002). These findings supported the notion of trauma as a specific risk factor for compassion fatigue. They also attested to the huge burden among psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees as part of the nature of this profession. We advise developing systematic and proactive tools to screen for trauma and to support practicing and future psychiatrists, especially those at risk of compassion fatigue.

Cumulative Stress Debriefings to Combat Compassion Fatigue in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Nurses working in pediatric intensive care units report high levels of compassion fatigue from exposure to critical and traumatic events. Cumulative stress debriefings can reduce compassion fatigue. To evaluate the use of cumulative stress debriefings to alleviate symptoms of compassion fatigue and promote job satisfaction in nurses. In this quality improvement study, a survey modified from the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 was distributed to pediatric intensive care unit nurses at a large, tertiary, freestanding children's hospital on the US West Coast to measure compassion fatigue and job satisfaction. The survey revealed widespread symptoms of compassion fatigue. Subsequently, monthly 1-hour cumulative stress debriefing sessions were initiated in the pediatric intensive care unit. Between 149 and 168 nurses were eligible to participate across time points. Interprofessional team members were trained and paired to facilitate the debriefings. Follow-up surveys were distributed at 6, 9, and 12 months after implementation of the intervention. Survey response rates ranged from 22.6% to 49.7%, with responses declining over time. Nurses who attended 1 or more cumulative stress debriefings reported fewer symptoms of compassion fatigue and negative personal effects from work and were less likely to consider leaving their current position and the nursing profession. Results indicated a high level of acceptability of the intervention, with nearly 90% of participants at 9 and 12 months indicating that they were likely to attend a future session. Initiation of cumulative stress debriefings may reduce compassion fatigue and improve job satisfaction in nurses.

Prevalence of compassion fatigue among helping professions and relationship to compassion for others, self-compassion and self-criticism.

Helping professionals are at high risk of being affected by the negative aspects of helping such as compassion fatigue. To date, no study has provided a comprehensive overview of compassion fatigue and compared the prevalence among different helping professions. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and differences in compassion fatigue among different helping professions. We also wanted to explore the relationship between compassion, self-compassion, self-criticism and compassion fatigue. Six hundred and seven participants working in the helping professions were recruited. The sample consisted of 102 nurses, 44 doctors, 57 paramedics, 39 home nurses, 66 teachers, 103 psychologists, 40 psychotherapists and coaches, 76 social workers, 39 priests and pastors and 41 police officers. The data were collected using an online questionnaire battery measuring levels of compassion, self-compassion, self-criticism, compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. We found significant differences in compassion fatigue levels among various helping professions. No large differences were found in the compassion and self-compassion levels exhibited by professionals with medium versus low compassion fatigue scores. However, participants with higher levels of compassion fatigue scored higher in self-criticism. Self-criticism was found to be the best predictor of compassion fatigue. The effect of profession on compassion fatigue as mediated by self-criticism and self-compassion was significant. Based on the results, we recommend designing programs to combat compassion fatigue that teach helping professionals to better manage their work time and workload (hours per week with clients/patients) and learn healthier inner talk (less self-critical and more self-compassionate).

Hemşirelerde Mesleki Yaşam Kalitesinin Boyutları Bağlamında Merhamet Doyumu, Tükenmişlik ve Merhamet Yorgunluğu: Kesitsel Bir Araştırma

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of compassion satisfaction, burnout and compassion fatigue, which are the dimensions of the professional quality of life, among nurses working in a university hospital, and the affecting demographic and occupational factors. Material and Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study included 349 nurses and the study was completed with 253 nurses (72.5%). The data were collected using the personal information form and 'Professional Quality of Life Scale' developed by Stamm. Results: The mean scores obtained by the nurses participating in the study were as follows: 32.08±9.09 for the compassion satisfaction subscale, 25.75±5.87 for the burnout subscale, and 18.50±7.57 for the compassion fatigue subscale. The level of compassion satisfaction was significantly higher among nurses working in surgical clinics. The burnout levels of the participants were affected by the marital status. The married nurses obtained significantly higher mean scores from the burnout subscale. There were not differences between the participants' compassion fatigue levels in terms of the demographic variables. Conclusion: While the participating nurses had low levels of compassion satisfaction, they had moderate levels of burnout, and high levels of compassion fatigue.

Educators' online teaching self-efficacy and compassion fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic: The dual roles of "connect".

Guided by the job demands-resources model and social-cognitive theory, we examined how educator perceived school connectedness and their attempts to connect with school members (i.e., administrators, staff, students, and families) concurrently and interactively influenced educators' compassion fatigue and online teaching self-efficacy during distance learning in the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants were 321 educators in a large, urban school district in northern California. Results of linear regression modeling suggested that educators with longer years of working in education and White educators reported higher levels of compassion fatigue than their counterparts. White educators also reported a lower level of online teaching self-efficacy than their counterparts. With the control of educators' gender, race/ethnicity, and years of teaching in education, educators' self-reported school connectedness is negatively associated with compassion fatigue. Educators' attempts to connect with students not only positively associated with compassion fatigue but also intensified the negative association between school connectedness and compassion fatigue. Moreover, educators' school connectedness and attempts to connect with administrators and staff both positively associated with online teaching self-efficacy. Also, educators' attempts to connect with families mitigated the positive association between school connectedness and online teaching self-efficacy. The findings highlight the importance of promoting educators' school connectedness in improving educators' occupational wellbeing. It also highlights that educators' school connectedness and their attempts to connect with certain group of school members mutually and interactively influence educators' compassion fatigue and online teaching self-efficacy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Perceived health, perceived social support and professional quality of life in hospital emergency nurses

BackgroundEmergency department nurses are continually exposed to distressing experiences that can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassionate satisfaction, thus could affect the professional quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyse professional quality of life in hospital emergency department nurses based on perceived health, social support and a series of socio-demographic and sociooccupational variables. MethodsThis descriptive cross sectional study involved nursing professionals working at hospital emergency departments in Andalusia, Spain. Professional quality of life, perceived health, socio-demographic and occupational variables, and perceived social support were measured. A descriptive and multiple regression analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 253 nursing professionals participated, of which 62.5% had high levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction (45.1%). Burnout levels were medium (58.5%). Perceived health significantly influenced on compassion fatigue and burnout. Perceived social support was found to be significantly related to all three dimensions of professional quality of life, but it had the greatest influence on the occurrence of burnout. ConclusionsEmergency department nurses in public hospitals are emotionally drained. Healthcare systems must develop intervention strategies to increase the quality of life of nursing professionals, which would lead to improved patient care. The promotion of compassion is a key element.

Student Self-Disclosure and Faculty Compassion in Online Classrooms

Compassion fatigue is well documented among professionals working in social service fields such as healthcare, emergency response, social work, and education. In higher education, there is a growing demand for faculty led student mental health support and life coaching services to support student retention and success. Students in online settings tend to disclose personally traumatic experiences and circumstances more openly in communications with faculty to seek support and extensions. In this study, we surveyed faculty to explore the relationship between student self-disclosure and faculty compassion fatigue in online classrooms. We hypothesized that student self-disclosure of personal challenges is common and may be related to faculty compassion fatigue and burnout. Results supported the hypothesis that student self-disclosure of personal challenges and trauma was common, experienced by 96% of surveyed faculty. Most faculty had low to average compassion fatigue scores; however, demographic and professional factors were associated with faculty compassion fatigue and burnout. Younger faculty, less experienced faculty, and female faculty had higher levels of compassion fatigue and burnout than older faculty, more experienced faculty, and male faculty. This study provides insight into the personal challenges and trauma students self-disclose to faculty, faculty variables that are associated with disclosure, and the impact student disclosure may have on faculty.Keywords: online teaching, compassion fatigue, student support, self-disclosure, faculty training

Online Teaching Self-Efficacy, Social–Emotional Learning (SEL) Competencies, and Compassion Fatigue Among Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Guided by the social–cognitive theory and job demands–resources model, this study examined how educators perceived online teaching self-efficacy and social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies concurrently and interactively influenced educators’ compassion fatigue during distance learning in the COVID-19 pandemic among 321 educators in California. Survey results suggested that educators with longer years of working in education and White educators reported higher levels of compassion fatigue than their counterparts. Controlling for educators’ demographic factors, online teaching self-efficacy had a negative and significant association with compassion fatigue. Moreover, the negative association between online teaching self-efficacy and compassion fatigue was intensified among educators with a higher level of SEL competencies. The findings highlight the importance of promoting educators’ online teaching self-efficacy in preventing educator compassion fatigue. It also indicates that educators with higher SEL competencies were more attuned to the negative association between online teaching self-efficacy and compassion fatigue than educators with lower SEL competencies. Impact Statement This is one of the first empirical studies examining educators’ experiences with online teaching self-efficacy, compassion fatigue, and SEL competencies during the COVID-19 pandemic and distance education. It highlights the importance of promoting educators’ online teaching self-efficacy and monitoring their SEL competencies in preventing compassion fatigue among educators. It also indicates that educators with a higher level of SEL competencies were more attuned to the negative influence of online teaching self-efficacy on compassion fatigue than educators with a lower SEL competency level. Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2021.1903815.

Relationships between resilience, empathy, compassion fatigue, work engagement and turnover intention in haemodialysis nurses: A cross-sectional study.

To explore the relationships between resilience, empathy, compassion fatigue, work engagement and turnover intention in Chinese haemodialysis nurses. Although several studies explored nurses' turnover intention in multiple hospital wards, fewer studies focused on turnover intention and its predictors among nurses in dialysis care. We conducted a cross-sectional study and adopted a two-stage sampling method to recruit 528 Chinese haemodialysis nurses. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the effects of resilience, empathy, compassion fatigue and work engagement on turnover intention. The prevalence of high and exceptionally high levels of turnover intention was 59.1% and 9.0%. Compassion fatigue had the strongest significant effect on turnover intention (β=0.276), followed by work engagement (β=-0.256) and resilience (β=0.193). Haemodialysis nurses in tertiary hospitals reported significant higher levels of turnover intention than those in secondary hospitals (β=0.127). Higher levels of compassion fatigue and lower levels of resilience and work engagement can result in higher turnover intention in haemodialysis nurses. Strategies such as resilience training programme, mindfulness-based intervention and establishing a positive work environment may be effective methods to improve resilience, reduce compassion fatigue, promote work engagement and decrease turnover intention.

Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction in US Army Laboratory Animal Medicine Personnel.

Compassion fatigue (CF) has been described in various "caring professions," particularly the human medical field. Recently, CF has been identified as a concern in animal care professions, specifically veterinary medicine. Despite the perception that veterinary personnel in animal research are at increased risk of CF, few studies have assessed CF in this population. The current cross-sectional study aimed to describe the prevalence of both CF and compassion satisfaction (CS) among active-duty veterinary personnel in Department of Defense animal research environments, using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). The ProQOL measures burnout and secondary traumatic stress as representative of compassion fatigue, while also measuring the inverse of CF, or CS. The current study set out to identify factors associated with both CF and CS. Validated scales of measurement were used to assess the frequency of exposures and outcomes of interest, while associations were analyzed using linear regression models. The study found that most survey respondents reported high levels of CS and low levels of BO and STS. Factors associated with higher levels of CF and lower CS included working with NHPs, difficulty working with primary investigators, loneliness, and euthanasia distress. These findings can inform future studies of CF in animal research environments and bolster initiatives to reduce occupational stress by the preventing and mitigating CF.

Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue among Violence Intervention Caseworkers

Violence intervention programs aim to help clients overcome trauma, but, due to the demands of their profession, caseworkers are at risk for experiencing low compassion satisfaction and high compassion fatigue. This cross-sectional study sought to describe the prevalence of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress [STS]) among 93 caseworkers. Participants completed the Professional Quality of Life Survey at a conference for a national network of hospital-based violence intervention programs in September 2018. Results displayed high compassion satisfaction across demographic groups, while participants significantly differed in compassion fatigue by years of experience and workplace setting. Caseworkers who had been working in their profession for 6–10 years experienced higher levels of burnout than those working fewer years (p = 0.02). Further, caseworkers employed in a single program setting experienced significantly lower levels of STS than those who work in both a community and hospital setting (p = 0.01). This analysis stands in contrast to previous studies showing higher levels of compassion fatigue in younger, and less experienced healthcare workers. Further studies are warranted to determine how the prevalence of compassion fatigue in victim advocates compares to those of other healthcare providers and which interventions can best promote compassion satisfaction.