The Cost of Caring: Compassion Fatigue Among Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings in British Columbia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Mamdani ◽  
Sophie McKenzie ◽  
Emma Ackermann ◽  
Rayne Voyer ◽  
Fred Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Continuous Exposure ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background The drug toxicity crisis has had dramatic impacts upon communities of people who use substances. Peer workers, individuals with lived/living experience of substance use who work in overdose response settings, are particularly susceptible to negative impacts on wellbeing caused by this crisis. Coupled with the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic including reduced capacity and hours of overdose prevention services and physical distancing regulations, the burden placed upon peers is large. However, these mental health impacts have yet to be studied and measured. Methods The Professional Quality of Life Scale survey (Version 5) was taken by 47 peer workers between September 2020 and March 2021 to assess compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. It was administered as a part of a larger survey administered by peer research assistants - to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions identified and implemented through a peer-led project. Some questions from the tool were also asked prior to implementation of the intervention (September 2020). Participants were recruited by their organizational managers and paid a $25 honorarium. Results Our study uncovered a HIGH mean score for compassion satisfaction, a LOW mean score for burnout, and a MEDIUM mean score for secondary traumatic stress among peers working in overdose response settings in British Columbia. We also found changes before and after implementation of the intervention. After implementation, peer workers felt more satisfied from their work, more connected to others, less worn out and were less affected by the traumatic stress of those they help. Conclusion Although peers derive significant pleasure and fulfillment from their jobs, i.e., compassion satisfaction, they also face considerable feelings of overwhelmingness, i.e. burnout, and stress due to continuous exposure to the trauma of the people they support, i.e. secondary traumatic stress. These results lay the groundwork for further research on the intersectional factors contributing to negative mental health impacts upon peer workers and highlight potential strategies that bolster the fulfillment they derive from their jobs.

Psychological distress constructs in police with different roles

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Sheard ◽  
Melissa Ellen Burnett ◽  
Helen St Clair-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Police Personnel

Purpose Police personnel report relatively high rates of mental health difficulties, and are at an increased risk of experiencing stress, burnout, secondary traumatic stress and anxiety as a result of the nature of their work and may also experience low compassion satisfaction. However, it is likely that the prevalence of psychological distress varies across roles. The purpose of this paper is to explore psychological distress, in a large sample of police personnel, examining differences between individuals in a number of police roles. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire assessing experience of mental health problems, perceived stress, compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress), compassion satisfaction and anxiety was administered to 602 police personnel, who were classified into one of ten roles (24/7 officers, communications, firearms, crime, resolution without deployment, neighbourhood, custody, safeguarding, operations and other roles). Differences based on role and the requirement for shift work were then examined. Findings 24/7 officers had higher compassion fatigue and lower compassion satisfaction than individuals in a number of other roles. Firearms officers had lower levels of perceived stress and anxiety. Resolution without deployment officers reported higher secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue. The findings also revealed that respondents who partake in shift work showed higher levels of perceived stress. Originality/value This is the first study to the authors’ knowledge to investigate experience of mental health problems and reports of psychological distress in different roles within a UK police force. The findings have important implications, for example, in terms of identifying groups who may be particularly at risk from psychological distress.

Effect of Meaningful Recognition on Critical Care Nurses’ Compassion Fatigue

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 438-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesly A. Kelly ◽  
Cindy Lefton
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intent To Leave ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Background As caregivers in high-pressure environments, critical care nurses are at risk for burnout and secondary trauma—components of compassion fatigue. Recent findings have increased understanding of the phenomena, specifically that satisfaction and meaningful recognition may play a role in reducing burnout and raising compassion satisfaction; however, no large multisite studies of compassion fatigue have been conducted. Objectives To examine the effect of meaningful recognition and other predictors on compassion fatigue in a multicenter national sample of critical care nurses. Methods A quantitative, descriptive online survey was completed by 726 intensive care unit nurses in 14 hospitals with an established meaningful recognition program and 410 nurses in 10 hospitals without such a program. Site coordinators at each hospital coordinated distribution of the survey to nurses to assess multiple predictors against outcomes, measured by the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Cross-validation and linear regression modeling were conducted to determine significant predictors of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. Results Similar levels of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, compassion satisfaction, overall satisfaction, and intent to leave were reported by nurses in hospitals with and without meaningful recognition programs. Meaningful recognition was a significant predictor of decreased burnout and increased compassion satisfaction. Additionally, job satisfaction and job enjoyment were highly predictive of decreased burnout, decreased secondary traumatic stress, and increased compassion satisfaction. Conclusions In addition to acknowledging and valuing nurses’ contributions to care, meaningful recognition could reduce burnout and boost compassion satisfaction.

Investigating Race-related Stress, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress for Black Mental Health Therapists

2021 ◽  
pp. 009579842110339
Author(s):  
E Mackenzie Shell ◽  
Daniel Teodorescu ◽  
Lauren D. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mental Health Therapists ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Race Related Stress ◽  
Black Mental Health

The present study examines the relationships among burnout, secondary traumatic stress (STS), and race-related stress among a national sample of 250 Black mental health therapists (counselors, social workers, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists). We investigated the predictive nature of the three subscales (Individual Racism, Cultural Racism, and Institutional Racism) of the Index of Race-Related Stress–Brief Version (IRRS-B) and selected demographic variables on therapists’ reports of burnout and STS assessed on the Professional Quality of Life Scale–Version 5 (ProQOL-5). All three forms of race-related stress significantly predicted both burnout and STS for Black mental health therapists. Of the demographic variables, hours worked per week significantly predicted burnout and STS. Additionally, highest degree obtained significantly predicted STS for Black mental health therapists. The utility of these findings in understanding the connections among race-related stress, burnout, and STS are discussed as well as directions for future research.

Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Critical Care Nurses in Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedigheh Salimi ◽  
Vahid Pakpour ◽  
Azad Rahmani ◽  
Marian Wilson ◽  
Hossein Feizollahzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Professional Quality Of Life ◽  
Professional Quality

Introduction: This study investigated the relationship between compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among Iranian nurses working in critical care units. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive survey using the Professional Quality of Life instrument was administered to 400 nurses working in the intensive care units of Iranian hospitals. Results: High risk levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress existed among 42% and 96% of participants, respectively. Significant positive relationships were detected between burnout and secondary traumatic stress. An inverse relationship was detected between measures of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. Discussion: To ensure culturally congruent care, it is important to evaluate professional quality of life within the context of specific cultures and societies. Iranian critical care nurses are at risk for burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Personal self-care and organizational wellness approaches that consider cultural norms should be designed to boost compassion satisfaction and reduce negative effects of stressful work environments.

scholarly journals Compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue among emergency medical technicians in Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javad Dehghannezhad ◽  
Vahid Zamanzadeh ◽  
Neda Gilani ◽  
Azad Rahmani ◽  
Abbas Dadashzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Marital Status ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Correlation Study ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Hospital Emergency ◽  
Occupational Burnout ◽  
Software Release

IntroductionEmergency medical technicians who provide emergency care for patients in a critical condition often experience compassion satisfaction through assisting these patients. However, helping ill and injured patients can also lead to compassion fatigue. Identifying the link between compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue is important to enhance patient care.MethodsThis is a descriptive correlation study. A total of 248 pre-hospital emergency personnel from pre-hospital emergency centres in East Azarbaijan, Iran, were selected by cluster sampling. Professional quality of life tools, including compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue (occupational burnout, secondary traumatic stress) were employed. Data was modeled on Stata Statistical Software: Release 14, and the correlation between factors was investigated through Pearson and Canonical correlation analyses.ResultsThe average scores of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue were moderate. Reverse relationship and mean negative correlation (r=-0.40) were obtained between the two areas. In the ‘compassion fatigue’ category, the secondary traumatic stress sub-scale had a higher focal load (0.96) in comparison to burnout (0.32). Education, workplace and workload were significantly correlated with compassion fatigue, as were marital status and workplace with compassion satisfaction.ConclusionThe model indicated that compassion satisfaction correlates inversely with compassion fatigue. Workplace, workload reduction, marital status and educational promotion reduce compassion fatigue therefore to enhance pre-hospital care these factors should be taken into consideration.

Minimising compassion fatigue in obstetrics/gynaecology doctors: exploring an intervention for an occupational hazard

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Allen ◽  
Felice Watt ◽  
Brendan Jansen ◽  
Edwina Coghlan ◽  
Elizabeth A Nathan
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Discussion Groups ◽  
Occupational Hazard ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynaecology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Given

Aim: To explore the indicators of occupational stress in a group of obstetrics and gynaecology doctors and to investigate the impact of work-focused discussion groups over a 6 month period. Methods: The ProQOL questionnaire was used to measure the efficacy of monthly psychiatrist-led Balint style discussion groups on minimising Compassion Fatigue (consisting of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout). The 25 doctors were given the given the ProQOL questionnaire to complete: (a) at the initiation of the intervention in July 2015, (b) in October 2015, and (c) in December 2015. Results: Significantly decreased levels of Secondary Traumatic Stress ( p=0.008), Burnout ( p=0.010), as well as significantly increased rates of Compassion Satisfaction ( p=0.035) were recorded. Participants requested that the groups be continued. Conclusions: Psychiatrist-led work focused discussion groups were associated with improved rates of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction in this sample group.

scholarly journals Secondary traumatic stress, burnout and compassion satisfaction among Flemish foster care workers during the COVID-19 lockdown

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-243
Author(s):  
Camille Verheyden ◽  
Frank Van Holen ◽  
Delphine West ◽  
Johan Vanderfaeillie
Keyword(s):  
Foster Care ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Stability ◽  
Birth Parents ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Foster Care Workers ◽  
The Impact

This study examines secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout and compassion satisfaction (CS) in Flemish foster care workers (FCW) during the COVID-19 lockdown. Even though child welfare workers are at increased risk for STS and burnout, these constructs have not been studied in FCW so far. Additionally, the COVID-19 measures severely impacted Flemish FCW’s work, personal and client environment, possibly stimulating the onset of STS and burnout and weakening CS. Moreover, this study aims to identify the work, client and personal factors determining high levels of STS and burnout and low levels of CS among FCW during the lockdown. STS, burnout and CS levels from 434 Flemish FCW were inquired with the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Low mean levels of STS and moderate mean levels of burnout and CS were reported during the lockdown. FCW who experienced a negative impact of COVID-19 measures on their work, had a high amount of worrisome placements due to birth parents in their caseload and low emotional stability are an at-risk group for both STS and burnout during the lockdown. CS was strongly determined by the impact of the COVID-19 measures on work and personality traits. Emotional stability determined the three outcome variables, making this a key characteristics for FCW during the lockdown. Consequently, during adverse circumstances, foster care agencies should pay extra attention and offer additional support to those FCW they estimate emotionally less stable and who struggle with the birth parents in their caseload.

scholarly journals Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction Among Child Advocacy Interdisciplinary Team Members

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 416-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlys Staudt ◽  
Mona Williams-Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Interdisciplinary Team ◽  
Child Advocacy ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Child Advocacy Center

Recent research has examined the stress and indirect trauma experienced by helping professionals who work with survivors of direct trauma, including interpersonal violence. Little of this research has focused on Child Advocacy Center team members. This practice-based survey research addresses that gap. The study examined secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, and compassion satisfaction (CS) in interdisciplinary team members (n=36) of one Child Advocacy Center in the southern United States, and explored relationships between CS, STS, and burnout. As assessed by the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, 50% of participants experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms due to STS. Based on the Professional Quality of Life Scale, burnout was low and CS was high. Those with higher CS had lower burnout and STS. Positive associations were also found between life stresses in the past year as measured by the Social Readjustment Rating Scale and STS and burnout, but not CS. Practitioners, agency supervisors, and administrators need to be aware of the effects of trauma work, regularly assess for these effects, and provide opportunities for support and debriefing. Schools of social work should consider developing and implementing specialized units on STS and self-care.

scholarly journals Burnout and secondary traumatic stress in health-system pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M Jones ◽  
John S Clark ◽  
Rima A Mohammad
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
High Probability ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
The United States ◽  
Professional Organization ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale

Abstract Purpose To describe the prevalence of burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in health-system pharmacists during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods. A cross-sectional, professional pharmacy organization listserver–based online survey of a target group of health-system pharmacists across the United States was conducted. The survey was sent out through professional organization listservers and was anonymous and voluntary. The survey questionnaire included items regarding demographics and employment characteristics, COVID-19–related questions, a survey of respondents’ perceptions of the prevalence and severity of burnout, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). The ProQOL assessed respondents for compassion satisfaction (subcategorized as burnout and STS) and compassion fatigue. Descriptive statistics was used to assess the prevalence of burnout and STS. Results Four hundred eighty-four health-system pharmacists completed the survey. Based on respondents’ self-ratings of burnout, 47% were identified as having current burnout and 81% as having a history of burnout. Based on ProQOL scoring, 65.3% of respondents were identified as having a moderate or high likelihood of burnout, which was a prevalence higher than that indicated by respondents’ self-ratings. Additionally, 51.4% of respondents were identified as having a moderate or high probability of STS and 99.4% as having a moderate or high probability of compassion satisfaction. Conclusion The survey found that over half of health-system pharmacists were affected with burnout, half with STS, and three-fourths with compassion satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the development of burnout and STS in these health-system pharmacists may lead to several work-related consequences (eg, increase risk of medical errors, depression); therefore, addressing burnout and STS is crucial. Further studies of the consequences of burnout and STS during the COVID-19 pandemic are needed.

scholarly journals Employee Wellness Pilot Program

2020 ◽  
pp. 216507992097652
Author(s):  
Michelle L. Van Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽  
Intent To Leave ◽  
Intent To Stay ◽  
Employee Wellness ◽  
Current Position

Background Mental health professionals caring for the veteran population are at increased risk for compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress based on the nature of their work. While mental health professionals may experience positive outcomes from providing compassionate care to veterans, compassion fatigue can lead to instability of the workforce. Methods A pilot employee wellness program was implemented over a 9-week period, offering a different wellness module weekly during the employee lunch hour. Demographic data were collected pre-program, and mental health employees were surveyed pre- and post-program using an intent to stay scale and the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 (ProQOL-5) to measure compassion satisfaction, burn out, and secondary traumatic stress. Findings Pre-program participants ( N = 42) reported significant differences in intent to stay in their current position for the next year compared to the post-program group ( N = 15). Pre-program participants reported no intent to leave their current position, apply for internal or external positions, or retire in the following year. However, post-program participants reported intent to leave their current positions, apply to internal or external positions, or retire. Pre- and post-program compassion satisfaction scores increased and burnout and secondary traumatic stress scores decreased; these scores were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions/Application to Practice While no significant differences were found between ProQOL-5 subscale scores, the change in participants’ scores may indicate some change, potentially as a result of the intervention. This pilot program offered a creative solution to organizations with limited resources to combat occupation-related compassion fatigue.

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