Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among family physicians in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

<i>Aims</i>. The aim of this study was to examine self-perceived compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among family physicians in Bosnia and Herzegovina and describe potential contributing factors. <i>Methods</i>. The cross-sectional study enrolled 120 family physicians. Professional quality of life compassion satisfaction and fatigue version 5 (ProQOL5) was used to assess compassion satisfaction and two components of compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress and burnout. The symptoms of chronic fatigue were evaluated using the Chalder fatigue scale. <i>Results</i>. The majority of family physicians had moderate levels of compassion satisfaction (70%), burnout (75%) and secondary traumatic stress (55.8%). Family physicians with higher levels of secondary traumatic stress reported chronic fatigue (<i>p</i> = 0.001), longer length of service (<i>p</i> = 0.024) and residency training (<i>p</i> = 0.041). Chronic fatigue (<i>p</i> = 0.001), living in a rural environment (<i>p</i> = 0.033), larger size of practice (<i>p</i> = 0.006) and high number of patients with chronic disease (<i>p</i> = 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of burnout. <i>Conclusion</i>. Family physicians with large practices, long years of experience, a high number of chronically ill patients and experiencing chronic fatigue are at risk of developing compassion fatigue. A systematic exploration of compassion fatigue in relation to working conditions might provide an appropriate starting point for the development of preventive interventions.