Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Providers: A Review of Current Literature

PURPOSE: The purpose of this integrative review was to identify, review, synthesize, and analyze the existing literature addressing compassion fatigue (CF) in healthcare providers (HCPs), with careful attention to provider role and practice area. CF needs to be better understood to identify, prevent, and treat it before it becomes problematic for HCPs. CF is representative of the cost of caring and results in physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that contribute to the decision of the HCP to leave the profession. METHODS: A literature search, guided by search terms related to CF, was conducted using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PubMed encompassing publications between 2005 and 2015. The selected literature was then systemically reviewed and synthesized for this narrative review. RESULTS: These preliminary searches resulted in 307 articles, of which 43 met inclusion criteria. These 43 articles were reviewed and reported that CF and related concepts (CF and RCs) were pervasive and affected a wide variety of HCPs working in many clinical settings; however, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists were not well represented. The literature provided information regarding prevalence, risk factors, prevention measures, and symptoms of CF and RCs. CONCLUSIONS: While CF and RCs have been explored in a myriad of medical professionals, there is little published regarding APRNs, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. More research is needed to evaluate for the presence of CF in HCPs working in a variety of settings and the degree to which it affects personal and professional well-being, including interactions with patients, patient outcomes, and the quality of professional life. Additionally, as the definition and use of the term compassion fatigue has evolved, a need for a well-developed concept analysis has also become evident. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better understanding of current research on CF through narrative review, development of a concept analysis, and further exploration of its impact on HCPs has the potential to improve the overall well-being of HCPs, ultimately leading to better patient care and retention within the profession.