Death of a Child in the Emergency Department

A Cross-sectional Analysis of Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction in Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians in the United States

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS) and identify potential personal and professional predictors of these phenomena in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians.

METHODS

A modified Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test for Helpers and a questionnaire of personal and professional characteristics were distributed electronically to PEM physicians nationally. The prevalence of these phenomena was calculated. Hierarchical linear regression models for CF, BO, and CS as a function of potential risk factors were constructed.

RESULTS

The final analyzable survey rate represented 22.7% of the physicians invited to participate. The prevalences of CF, BO, and CS were 16.4, 21.5, and 18.5%, respectively. BO score, distress about a "clinical situation," "physical work environment," and engaging in prayer/meditation were each significant determinants of higher CF scores, whereas "socializing with family/friends" was significantly associated with lower CF scores. CF score, emotional depletion, and distress due to "coworkers" were each significant determinants of higher BO scores, whereas CS score and "talking with a family member" as a means of self-care were significantly associated with lower BO scores. Socializing with family/friends and >20 years as PEM provider were each significant determinants of higher CS scores, whereas BO score, emotional depletion, distress about the physical work environment and "administrative issues," 10% to 24% of time spent caring for pediatric patients, and "talking with life partner" about work-related distress were each significant determinants of lower CS scores. We acknowledge that the generalizability of our findings is limited by the sample size and by the fact that participants were largely female, Caucasian, and junior faculty and worked in academic medical centers.

CONCLUSIONS

PEM physicians are at risk for developing CF, BO, and low CS. Proactive awareness of these phenomena and their predictors may allow providers to better manage the unique challenges and emotional stressors of the pediatric ED to enhance personal well-being and professional performance.

Caring for the Acutely, Severely Ill Child-A Multifaceted Situation with Paradoxical Elements: Swedish Healthcare Professionals' Experiences

The aim of this study was to describe healthcare professionals' experience of caring for acutely, severely ill children in hospital in Sweden.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Five focus group interviews were conducted with nurses, nurse assistants and physicians comprising a total of 20 participants. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

An overall theme emerged that describes healthcare professionals' experiences as: "being in a multifaceted area of tension with paradoxical elements". The theme is based on three categories: proficiency of the individuals and the team is the fundamental base; interactions are crucial in an area of tension; and wellbeing of the individual is a balance of contradictory emotions. With maintained focus on the ill child, proficiency is the fundamental base, interactions are crucial, and moreover contradictory emotions are described.

CONCLUSIONS

The interplay based on proficiency may influence the assessments and treatments of acutely, severely ill children.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Recognizing the multifaceted area of tension with paradoxical elements, practical teamwork exercises, a structured approach, and assessment tools could be a possible way to develop interprofessional team collaboration to improve the care of acutely, severely ill children in order to increase patient safety.