PubMed · 17040139
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Diane E Meier, Larry Beresford. 2006. Preventing burnout.. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2006.9.1045
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Although the term "compassion fatigue" is often used interchangeably with the term "burnout", they are two different concepts. Compassion fatigue stems from an overcommitment to work that involves caring for others and is considered by some to be a kind of secondary posttraumatic stress disorder. Because they often invest themselves deeply in the animals they care for, veterinarians, technicians, and other members of an animal health team may be particularly vulnerable to compassion fatigue. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge about compassion fatigue, describes its symptoms, and suggests ways to prevent or overcome it.
Burnout levels among medical residents are considered high. A lack of social support has shown to have a direct effect on emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization, two of the three burnout indicators. In this study, we examined the satisfaction of medical residents with social support (emotional, appreciative and informative) received from supervisors, fellow medical residents, nurses and patients. In addition, the correlation between social support and burnout was studied. Medical residents were significantly more dissatisfied with the emotional, appreciative and informative support received from their supervisors compared with fellow residents and nurses (respectively, 13.4+/-4.0 vs. 9.9+/-2.8 and 10.0+/-2.4; 10.0+/-2.9 vs. 7.4+/-2.0 and 7.3+/-1.8; and 7.2+/-2.3 vs. 5.4+/-1.6 and 5.3+/-1.5; p<.001). Significant independent effects were found on emotional exhaustion: from dissatisfaction with emotional support [Beta=.44, p<.001, total R2=.25] and dissatisfaction with appreciative support from supervisors [Beta=.30, p<.01, total R2=.11]. Moreover, dissatisfaction with emotional support from supervisors had an independent significant effect on depersonalization [Beta=.33, p=.001, total R2=.14]. The best predictor of burnout appeared to be dissatisfaction with emotional support received from supervisors. Our results suggest that intervention programs should not only focus on the medical residents, but also on the supervisors to improve their supportive skills.