Self-care of Physicians Caring for Patients at the End of Life

TLDR

Physicians caring for patients at the end of life face diverse stresses that can trigger burnout and compassion fatigue at individual and team levels. The article seeks to identify early signs of burnout and compassion fatigue, analyze contributing and mitigating factors, and propose empathy‑based self‑care strategies for end‑of‑life physicians. The authors examine risk factors, mitigation approaches, and empathy‑focused self‑awareness practices to guide physicians toward sustained wellness. They present evidence that early recognition of prodromal symptoms and targeted prevention measures can reduce burnout and compassion fatigue in this population.

Abstract

Physicians providing end-of-life care are subject to a variety of stresses that may lead to burnout and compassion fatigue at both individual and team levels. Through the story of an oncologist, we discuss the prodromal symptoms and signs leading to burnout and compassion fatigue and present the evidence for prevention. We define and discuss factors that contribute to burnout and compassion fatigue and consider factors that may mitigate burnout. We explore the practice of empathy and discuss an approach for physicians to maximize wellness through self-awareness in the setting of caring for patients with end-stage illness. Finally, we discuss some practical applications of self-care in the workplace.