A study of the relationship between self-care, compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout among hospice professionals

J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2008;4(2):101-19. doi: 10.1080/15524250802353934.

Abstract

Hospice care professionals (HCPs) experience a large number of stressors in their work settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-care, compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction among HCPs. Thirty-seven HCPs were surveyed regarding their levels of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Respondents also reported the types of self-care activities in which they took part. Results indicated a relationship between self-care strategies and lower levels of burnout and compassion fatigue, and higher levels of compassion satisfaction. Several suggestions are offered for continued research and practice in the hospice care field.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional / epidemiology*
  • Burnout, Professional / prevention & control
  • Empathy*
  • Fatigue / epidemiology
  • Fatigue / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Hospice Care*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Quality of Life
  • Self Care / methods*