Compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in US pediatric surgeons | Compassion fatigue (CF) = secondary traumatic response of medical caregivers with frequent exposure to suffering | Burnout (BO) = work-related distress including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, etc | Compassion satisfaction (CS) = personal gratification gained from caring for patients | surveys showed: | 22% CF | 24% BO | 22% CS | SURVEY of APSA members with the Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test + survey of personal/professional characteristics | 338 surveys analyzed (25.7% response rate) | BO scores associated with: - higher CF scores - current distress re: coworkers - keeping lawsuits confidential | BO scores associated with: - higher CS scores | CF scores associated with: - talking with a life-partner about work-related stress | INFOGRAPHICS | Source: Sarosi et al | https://www.jpedsurg.org/article/S0022-3468(21)00096-8/fulltext
Compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in US pediatric surgeons
Infographic · Sep 2021 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Survey of American Pediatric Surgical Association members found 22-24% prevalence of compassion fatigue and burnout, with solo practice, high operative volume, and workplace distress as key risk factors. Talking with life partners and peer support emerged as protective factors, suggesting institutional peer support programs may reduce burnout in pediatric surgeons.
- One in four pediatric surgeons experience compassion fatigue or burnout, with rates similar to other pediatric subspecialties.
- Solo practice, ≥5 operating days/week, and keeping lawsuits confidential significantly increase risk of compassion fatigue and burnout.
- Talking with a life partner about work-related distress is protective against compassion fatigue.
- Establishing local physician peer support channels may effectively reduce burnout and compassion fatigue in pediatric surgery practices.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the infographic.
A teal-colored infographic with multiple sections. The left side features an illustration of medical professionals working around a large computer screen. The center contains definition boxes and correlation arrows. The right side displays percentage statistics in large yellow text with an illustration of four healthcare workers, and a badge graphic at the bottom.
Background/Purpose
To determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS) and identify potential predictors of these phenomena in pediatric surgeons.
Methods
The Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test and a survey of personal/professional characteristics were distributed electronically to American Pediatric Surgical Association members. Linear regression models for CF, BO, and CS as a function of potential risk factors were constructed.
Results
The analyzeable study response rate was 25.7%. The prevalence of CF, BO, and CS was 22%, 24% and 22, respectively, which were similar to prevalences previously identified in pediatric subspecialists. Higher CF scores were significantly associated with: higher BO scores; solo practice; compensation; ≥5 operating days/week; current distress about a ‘clinical situation’; mental health-care for work-related distress; and history of childhood surgery. Lower CF scores were significantly associated with ‘talking with a life partner’ about work-related distress. Higher BO scores were significantly associated with: higher CF scores; current distress about ‘coworkers’; and ‘keeping lawsuits confidential’. Lower BO scores were significantly associated with higher CS scores.
Conclusions
CF, BO, and CS are distinct but highly related entities. Pediatric surgeons experience these phenomena at similar rates to other pediatric subspecialists. Establishing local channels for physician peer support may be particularly impactful.