Compassion Fatigue
James Stangle
2.1.2013
Compassion Fatigue This paper will discuss the problem surrounding compassion fatigue as related to health care providers and their causes. Further discussion will include ways to recognize health care provider compassion fatigue by dialoging specific warning signs that are present before compassion fatigue sets in. Concepts regarding the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of the health care provider will be discussed including the importance of fulfilling the discussed needs. Lastly, coping strategies will be discussed including available resources that can be used by health care providers to help thwart the onset of compassion fatigue.
The Problem As cited in an article titled “Program to combat ‘compassion fatigue’” published in 2010 within the Hospice Management Advisor, Coe states, “Compassion fatigue is a stress disorder that was identified in the 1950s, primarily among vocations that provide care for people in crisis” (“Program to combat”, 2010). Coe further related that, “Compassion fatigue is the gradual lessening of a person’s ability to provide compassion” (“Program to combat”, 2010). Coe was cited to say that, “Each nurse, doctor, or other caregiver only has so much compassion” (“Program to combat”, 2010). With the problem defined, discussion may be had to what this problems leads to. When compassion fatigue takes hold of a health care provider suffering becomes mutli-facet. Care provided by the health care provider may come at a reduced quality resulting in less than optimal patient outcomes. The possible lack luster attitude of the care provider towards the may hurt the patient and provider relationship in the form of trust and accountability. Further health care provider burn out rates will increase as job satisfaction decreases dramatically. Health care providers must have the tools necessary to