Jason Mills1, Timothy Wand2, Jennifer A Fraser3. 1. Registered Nurse; Lecturer/Unit Coordinator, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia. 2. Nurse Practitioner; Registered Nurse; Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, the University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Registered Nurse; Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, the University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
This study examined levels of, and relationships between, self-care ability, self-compassion, and compassion among palliative care nurses and doctors. METHODS: A total of 369 participants across Australia completed a cross-sectional survey comprising a demographic questionnaire and outcome measures for each variable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed, controlling for potential social-desirability bias. RESULTS: Levels of compassion, self-compassion and self-care ability varied, with some individuals scoring high or low in each. Self-compassion and self-care ability were positively correlated (r = .412, p<.001), whereas a negative correlation was observed between compassion and self-compassion (r = -.122, p<.05). Linear regression further indicated that: increased compassion was associated with a decrease in self-compassion, and increased self-care ability was associated with an increase in self-compassion. CONCLUSION: These results suggest important implications for self-care in the palliative care workforce. Moreover, this study contributes an empirical basis to inform future research and education to promote balanced compassion and compassion literacy in palliative care practice.
This study examined levels of, and relationships between, self-care ability, self-compassion, and compassion among palliative care nurses and doctors. METHODS: A total of 369 participants across Australia completed a cross-sectional survey comprising a demographic questionnaire and outcome measures for each variable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed, controlling for potential social-desirability bias. RESULTS: Levels of compassion, self-compassion and self-care ability varied, with some individuals scoring high or low in each. Self-compassion and self-care ability were positively correlated (r = .412, p<.001), whereas a negative correlation was observed between compassion and self-compassion (r = -.122, p<.05). Linear regression further indicated that: increased compassion was associated with a decrease in self-compassion, and increased self-care ability was associated with an increase in self-compassion. CONCLUSION: These results suggest important implications for self-care in the palliative care workforce. Moreover, this study contributes an empirical basis to inform future research and education to promote balanced compassion and compassion literacy in palliative care practice.