What are the experiences of Critical Care Nurses with Compassion Fatigue and has the Covid-19 Pandemic had any influence on this?

Abstract

Aim: To explore Critical Care Nurses experiences of Compassion Fatigue and see if the Covid- 19 Pandemic in Scotland affected this in any way? Background: Due to occupational stress and other stressors a condition called Compassion Fatigue may be developed by some Critical Care Nurses. Compassion Fatigue has been described as a physical, social, spiritual and emotional exhaustion that can result from caring of relationships and families (Boyle 2015). The constant exposure to sudden and potential tragic outcomes can affect how these nurses empathetically care for their patients and result in some leaving their position or leaving the profession altogether (Mason et al 2014). In December of 2019 a new condition which causes respiratory distress was identified in China called Coronavirus or Covid-19. This disease quickly spread and on the 11th of March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Covid-19 was a worldwide pandemic. This disease has caused major strain on health care services therefore this may have effected Compassion Fatigue rates among Critical Care Nurses. As there is little research published on this topic, it will be explored in this review and proposal. Design: An interpretive phenomenological methodology. Method: Video Chat Semi-Structured interviews lasting between 45-60 minutes with 6 prepared questions for 10 Critical Care Nurse participants who work in an ICU setting within The Royal infirmary Edinburgh Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland. All interviews will be recorded (with consent being gained) and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis to explore the data findings and purpose some implications for future practice.