Aims and objectives: To evaluate compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), compassion
satisfaction (CS) and perceived stress in healthcare professionals during the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) health crisis in Spain.
Background: Spain has been one of the countries hardest hit by the health crisis
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals have had to deal with
traumatic and complex situations in the work context. In these particularly stressful
situations, many professionals may develop CF or BO, which puts them at risk for
mental health problems.
Design: Cross-sectional online survey.
Methods: A total of 506 healthcare professionals (physicians and nurses) who were
working in healthcare centres during the COVID-19 pandemic participated. CF, CS
and BO were assessed with the Professional Quality of Life Questionnaire, and perceived
stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale-14. Socio-demographic
and occupational variables were also analysed. Data were collected during the period
of the highest incidence of cases and highest mortality rates due to COVID-19 in
Spain. This article adheres to the STROBE guidelines for the reporting of observational
studies.
Results: Physicians had higher CF and BO scores, while nurses had higher CS scores.
Perceived stress scores were similar in both occupations. Professionals working in
specific COVID-19 units and in emergency departments had higher CF and BO scores,
while levels of CS and perceived stress were similar regardless of the workplace.
Relevance to clinical practice: Despite the health crisis situation and its implications
for healthcare professionals, the levels of CF and BO have remained moderate/high.
However, CS seems to be increasing, especially among nurses, possibly due to their
motivation to relieve suffering and due to their perceived social recognition. It is necessary to implement interventions that help improve CS and prevent BO and CF
among professionals in the long term.
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