Secondary Traumatization in Pediatric Healthcare Providers: Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress

2010 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Meadors ◽  
Angela Lamson ◽  
Mel Swanson ◽  
Mark White ◽  
Natalia Sira

The primary aim for this research was to explore the overlap and differences between the concepts related to secondary traumatization: posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), secondary traumatic stress (STS), compassion fatigue (CF), and burnout (BRN). A secondary aim for this research was to examine the impact of secondary traumatization and some of the personal and professional elements that affect how pediatric healthcare providers experience PTSD, STS, CF, and BRN. An online survey was sent via e-mail to numerous list serves for healthcare providers who had worked on PICU, NICU, or PEDS units within the last year. The analyses revealed that a significant overlap existed between the terms of STS, PTSD, BRN, CS, and CF for PICU, NICU, and PEDS providers. However, a hierarchical linear regression revealed a significant amount of unique contributions to the variance in CF based on each of the measured concepts. Despite previous literature that indicates that the terms STS and CF can be used interchangeably, the two most prominent measures utilized in the assessment of CF and STS are actually capturing at least some unique elements. Given these results, future researchers should examine and conceptualize the difference in etiology, prevalence, symptoms, and treatment efficacy for CF and STS as separate but related entities and then return their focus to understanding secondary traumatization in healthcare providers.

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Allen ◽  
Felice Watt ◽  
Brendan Jansen ◽  
Edwina Coghlan ◽  
Elizabeth A Nathan

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 438-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesly A. Kelly ◽  
Cindy Lefton

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-291
Author(s):  
Kyle S. Richardson ◽  
Meredith MacKenzie Greenle

Background Compassion fatigue affects up to 40% of health care professionals who work in intensive care settings. Frequent exposure to the death of patients, particularly children, may put nurses at risk for compassion fatigue, but the relation between these is unclear among those working in pediatric intensive care units. Objectives To examine the relationship between exposure to the death or near death of a pediatric patient and compassion fatigue, specifically the outcomes of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Methods Pediatric and neonatal intensive care nurses were surveyed about their exposure to patient death and near-death experiences. They were asked to respond to the Professional Quality of Life Scale, which has 3 subscales that measure compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression modeling was used to identify correlates of these outcomes. Results Of the 65 respondents, 94% were female, 41% were aged 31 to 45 years, and 71% had a bachelor’s degree. No significant relationship was found between nurses’ experiences of patient death or near death and their compassion satisfaction, burnout, or secondary traumatic stress. Significant correlates of compassion satisfaction and burnout included educational level and an age-experience interaction. Conclusions No relationship seems to exist between nurses’ experiences of patient death or near death and their compassion satisfaction, burnout, or secondary traumatic stress. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of educational attainment on nurse outcomes and determine how best to support nurses who are at risk for compassion fatigue.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e041599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary McCauley ◽  
Joanna Raven ◽  
Nynke van den Broek

ObjectiveTo assess the experience and impact of medical volunteers who facilitated training workshops for healthcare providers in maternal and newborn emergency care in 13 countries.SettingsBangladesh, Ghana, India, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, UK and Zimbabwe.ParticipantsMedical volunteers from the UK (n=162) and from low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) (n=138).Outcome measuresExpectations, experience, views, personal and professional impact of the experience of volunteering on medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC.ResultsUK-based medical volunteers (n=38) were interviewed using focus group discussions (n=12) and key informant interviews (n=26). 262 volunteers (UK-based n=124 (47.3%), and LMIC-based n=138 (52.7%)) responded to the online survey (62% response rate), covering 506 volunteering episodes. UK-based medical volunteers were motivated by altruism, and perceived volunteering as a valuable opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teaching and communication, skills reported to be transferable to their home workplace. Medical volunteers based in the UK and in LMIC (n=244) reported increased confidence (98%, n=239); improved teamwork (95%, n=232); strengthened leadership skills (90%, n=220); and reported that volunteering had a positive impact for the host country (96%, n=234) and healthcare providers trained (99%, n=241); formed sustainable partnerships (97%, n=237); promoted multidisciplinary team working (98%, n=239); and was a good use of resources (98%, n=239). Medical volunteers based in LMIC reported higher satisfaction scores than those from the UK with regards to impact on personal and professional development.ConclusionHealthcare providers from the UK and LMIC are highly motivated to volunteer to increase local healthcare providers’ knowledge and skills in low-resource settings. Further research is necessary to understand the experiences of local partners and communities regarding how the impact of international medical volunteering can be mutually beneficial and sustainable with measurable outcomes.


Author(s):  
Chiara Respi ◽  
Emanuela Sala

A number of papers have found that personalization of salutations in e-mail communications may lead to higher response rates. Given their widespread use, Short Text Messages (SMS) may also be useful contact modes in surveys. Using experimental data from an online survey on Italian graduates, this work intends to evaluate the impact of personalized SMS salutations on response and measurement error. We find evidence that personalization has a positive impact on response rates and some indication that it may lead to better survey data. Limitations and implications of the study are also discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedigheh Salimi ◽  
Vahid Pakpour ◽  
Azad Rahmani ◽  
Marian Wilson ◽  
Hossein Feizollahzadeh

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Sheard ◽  
Melissa Ellen Burnett ◽  
Helen St Clair-Thompson

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.


Trauma ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 146040862096834
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Ball ◽  
Clare Watsford ◽  
Brett Scholz

Introduction Research has consistently demonstrated professionals in helping roles (“helping professionals”) experience vicarious trauma, moral injury, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. Vicarious post-traumatic growth has also been identified in the literature. This article aimed to contribute to understanding the experiences of these constructs of trainee helping professionals. Emphasis was placed on how to foster vicarious post-traumatic growth. Methods A qualitative semi-structured interview was designed to enable the researchers to explore the experiences of 14 trainee psychologists from an Australian Master of Clinical Psychology program. Results It was identified that burnout, and beginning stages of vicarious trauma, moral injury, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress might occur during psychologists’ training. Five elements underpin vicarious post-traumatic growth, four of which were reflected in this article. A need and suggestions for how to further develop vicarious post-traumatic growth are discussed. Conclusion This research could go on to be applied to curriculum development and practice policy, ultimately leading to improved early-intervention and ongoing systems of support for helping professionals. This, in turn, would improve quality of care in communities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Fisher, PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC ◽  
Suzanne W. Ameringer, PhD, RN

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the current opioid tapering practice.Design: Cross-sectional, online, survey research.Participants: Pediatric healthcare providers from a national sample of practicing nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians who participate in five different pediatric pain and/or palliative care list serves.Results: One hundred four participants responded to the survey. The respondents were predominantly physicians (n = 58, 62 percent). The majority of respondents worked in an academic children's medical center (n = 50, 52 percent). The average number of years in pediatric practice was 16 (mean = 16.33, range of 0-45 years). Of the 104 respondents, only 22 (27 percent) had a written protocol for opioid tapering. Use of expert consultants such as pharmacists or pediatric pain management teams varied. The majority of respondents (n = 46, 44 percent) seldom or never consult a pharmacist. Only 22 percent (n = 17) almost always or always consult a pediatric pain team. There was a wide range of personal tapering rate preferences. Conclusions: This study provided a baseline assessment of pediatric opioid tapering practices by pediatric healthcare providers. Results revealed a marked variation in practice patterns that may indicate deficits in the assessment and management of opioid withdrawal in children. The need for the development of assessment-based opioid tapering guidelines for the pediatric population is long overdue.


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