Laura Galiana1, Noemí Sansó2, Inmaculada Muñoz-Martínez3, Gabriel Vidal-Blanco4, Amparo Oliver1, Philip J Larkin5. 1. Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. 2. Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Balearic Islands Health Research Institute (IDISBA), Palma, Spain. Electronic address: noemi.sanso@uib.es. 3. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, Spain. 4. Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. 5. Chair of Palliative Care Nursing, Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Abstract
CONTEXT: Palliative care professionals are exposed to suffering on a daily basis. Working in such an environment frequently raises existential issues, psychological challenges, and emotional distress, that can detract from compassionate care. Identifying factors that help professionals cope with frequent exposure to issues related to mortality, such as compassion, could enhance palliative care providers' and patients' quality of life and wellbeing. OBJECTIVES: To improve our understanding of the factors associated with professionals' inner life studying the role of self-compassion as a mediating variable between self-care and awareness and professionals' quality of life, and quantifying the impact of compassionate care. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of palliative care professionals was conducted through the Spanish Society of Palliative Care. 296 professionals answered the survey. RESULTS: The model tested showed an adequate fit (χ2(212) = 476.688 (P < .001), CFI = .907, RMSEA = .066 [.058,.073], and SRMR = .068), and the hypotheses were supported. Self-care and awareness predicted coping with death and self-compassion, which in turn predicted professional quality of life. Self-compassion had the greatest predictive power. Professional quality of life showed a statistically significant and positive effect on personal wellbeing, explaining more than 50% of its variance (R2 = .574; P < .001). CONCLUSION: For palliative care professionals, the cultivation of self-compassion is equally needed as compassion for others. Professional quality of life and compassionate care are related to professionals' wellbeing: when professionals take care of themselves, this will lead in a more compassionate care, but also in healthier, happier professionals.
CONTEXT: Palliative care professionals are exposed to suffering on a daily basis. Working in such an environment frequently raises existential issues, psychological challenges, and emotional distress, that can detract from compassionate care. Identifying factors that help professionals cope with frequent exposure to issues related to mortality, such as compassion, could enhance palliative care providers' and patients' quality of life and wellbeing. OBJECTIVES: To improve our understanding of the factors associated with professionals' inner life studying the role of self-compassion as a mediating variable between self-care and awareness and professionals' quality of life, and quantifying the impact of compassionate care. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of palliative care professionals was conducted through the Spanish Society of Palliative Care. 296 professionals answered the survey. RESULTS: The model tested showed an adequate fit (χ2(212) = 476.688 (P < .001), CFI = .907, RMSEA = .066 [.058,.073], and SRMR = .068), and the hypotheses were supported. Self-care and awareness predicted coping with death and self-compassion, which in turn predicted professional quality of life. Self-compassion had the greatest predictive power. Professional quality of life showed a statistically significant and positive effect on personal wellbeing, explaining more than 50% of its variance (R2 = .574; P < .001). CONCLUSION: For palliative care professionals, the cultivation of self-compassion is equally needed as compassion for others. Professional quality of life and compassionate care are related to professionals' wellbeing: when professionals take care of themselves, this will lead in a more compassionate care, but also in healthier, happier professionals.
Authors: Laura Galiana; Mireia Guillén; Antonia Pades; Sarah L Flowers; Gabriel Vidal-Blanco; Noemí Sansó Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-08-17 Impact factor: 4.614