Compassion Fatigue May Be Underestimated by Trauma Teams

The challenges facing trauma care providers can put them at risk for compassion fatigue (CF) and burnout, according to a new study.

Researchers at Wesley Medical Center (Wichita, KS, USA), Wichita State University (KS, USA), and other institutions conducted a qualitative study using surveys and a focus group to measure CF and burnout syndrome (BOS) in a 12-member level 1 trauma team, and allow them to share perceptions of related stress triggers and coping strategies. Participation was voluntary, and informed consent was obtained at the beginning of the session. Participants completed surveys for demographic information, perceived quality of life, and a life stress inventory. Three assessment tools were used.

The results showed that 58.3% of the focus group reported no significant problems, whereas the rest reported mild stress; none reported moderate or major stress. As to the professional quality of life scale (ProQOL; a tool used to measure compassion satisfaction), one third scored a combination of low compassion satisfaction and high burnout, and another 25% scored moderate burnout. Interpretation of the results yielded that almost half were identified as at risk of BOS, with 25% being distressed, overwhelmed, or useless in job and classified as high risk due to burnout. The study was published in the January/February 2016 issue of the Journal of Trauma Nursing.

“Trauma team members may not be as adept at managing work stressors as well as they perceive. In addition, the lack of reference to, or use of, institutional resources for coping may be concerning,” concluded lead author Gina Berg, MD, PhD, and colleagues. “Although first responder teams are often required to attend critical incident debriefings after direct exposure to trauma, this may not be the case for those who experience it indirectly. Thus, internal mechanisms to advocate for team coping may be necessary.”

Burnout is characterized by exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm and motivation, feelings of ineffectiveness, and also may have the dimension of frustration or cynicism, and as a result reduced efficacy within the workplace. Occupational burnout is typically and particularly found within human service professions; high levels of burnout are prevalent among social workers, nurses, teachers, lawyers, engineers, physicians, customer service representatives, and police officers. One reason why burnout is so prevalent within the human services field is due in part to the high-stress work environment and emotional demands of the job.

Related Links:
Wesley Medical Center
Wichita State University