| The vast majority of research conducted on compassion fatigue has mainly involved clinicians, therapists, or counselors as stakeholders. There is a limited body of existing research that examines the problems of compassion fatigue in a hospice setting from the workers' and the administrative staff's point of view. To ameliorate symptoms of compassion fatigue, the findings from this qualitative study could be useful in the hospice profession. A focus group consisting of 11 hospice clinical workers who are 18 years or older was examined to discuss compassion fatigue, experiences, and methods used to ameliorate symptoms. Perceptions and experiences of two hospice administrators' were studied regarding compassion fatigue. The hospice administrators were also 18 years or older. In-depth qualitative interview questions with the administrators helped to gain an understanding of compassion fatigue, what to do if employees experience compassion fatigue, and identify resources that may help employees ameliorate compassion fatigue. This study focused on the effects of experiencing compassion fatigue. The majority of the hospice workers expressed that they have experienced compassion fatigue. The findings of this study indicated that there were many interpretations of compassion fatigue as well as methods for ameliorating symptoms. Examples of the methods for ameliorating symptoms included taking time off from work, participating in monthly staff support group meetings, and self-reflection. Some of the common reasons identified for experiencing compassion were high caseloads, increase in job demands, and lack of self-care. Hospice workers and administrators must have an understanding of individual specific needs in order to develop interventions for ameliorating compassion fatigue. |
