Pediatric Nurses’ Views on Compassion Fatigue and the Effect of Compassion Fatigue on Care Quality: A Qualitative Researc

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it has aimed to determine the views and thoughts of pediatric nurses about compassion fatigue and to determine its effect on care. Method: The research carried out with the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research methods, and semistructured in-depth interview method. The research conducted with 12 pediatric nurses working in a tertiary hospital. Data collected with ‘’Personal Information Form’’ and ‘’Interview Guide’’ by face to face interview method. The audio recordings of all interviews made in the analysis of the data have deciphered manually. The sound recordings have coded by the researchers and grouped under main themes and subthemes after being discussed. Results: The findings obtained from the interview have been formed from a total of 16 themes - 4 main themes and 12 subthemes. Main themes: The Concept of Compassion Fatigue, Causes of The Compassion Fatigue, Effects of The Compassion Fatigue on The Quality of Care and The Compassion Fatigue and Coping Strategies. Sub-themes: The Overuse of Compassion, The Decrease in Compassion Over Time, Environmental Reasons, Personal Reasons, Organizational Reasons, Engagement and Job Satisfaction , Patience, The Objectivity, The Use of Empathy and The Willingness to the Care Process, Individual Strategies, Environmental Strategies and Institutional Strategies. Conclusion: As a result of the study, nurses reported that compassion fatigue affected the quality of care; empathy with patients and working with traumatized patients caused compassion fatigue