DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/P4RH-X184
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1850-2055
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Health Related Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Stacey Reynolds
Second Advisor
Dr. Tyler Corson
Third Advisor
Dr. Rachel Wood
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jiale Hu
Abstract
Therapists who work with burn survivors are frequently exposed to patients who are undergoing or have undergone severe trauma and pain. This exposure places burn therapists at risk for the development of compassion fatigue and diminished professional quality of life. Alternatively, the sense of purpose and altruism experienced by these same therapists have the potential to foster compassion satisfaction. This dissertation explores the prevalence and presentation of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction in burn therapists in the United States. This three-paper design focuses on: 1) a scoping review of current literature, 2) a cross-sectional quantitative survey utilizing the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) Version 5, and 3) a qualitative descriptive study of the experiences of acute care burn therapists. This dissertation revealed a significant gap in current literature related to the concepts of compassion fatigue and satisfaction in the burn therapist population. Quantitative results found low to moderate burnout and secondary traumatic stress (subscores of compassion fatigue) and moderate to high compassion satisfaction in burn therapists. Years of practice in burn care was found to be significantly related to all subscales of the ProQOL. The qualitative analysis revealed six common themes related to the experience of therapists who work with burn survivors. These themes focused on therapeutic relationships, autonomy, career longevity, team relationships, challenges to the healthcare business, and physical, emotional, and mental challenges to therapists’ resiliency. Together, these studies provide a first step in a line of research to describe, define, and combat compassion fatigue and improve compassion satisfaction in burn therapists.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
9-20-2023