An intervention to manage compassion fatigue in oncology nurses in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Oncology nurses are involved through the often protracted and potentially traumatic continuum of diagnosis and treatment of their patients, which places them at high risk of developing compassion fatigue.

Aim: The aim of the study was to develop and implement an in-facility intervention to manage compassion fatigue among oncology nurses in Durban, South Africa.

Setting: The study was conducted with oncology nurses at state, private (private health insurance) and non-governmental oncology facilities (Hospice).

Methods: The Self-Care Intervention for Oncology Nurses was developed and implemented using action research with a mixed methods sequential explanatory design. It involved an integrative review, Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) v 5 questionnaires (n = 83) and in-depth individual interviews (n = 8).

Results: Developed from the findings of the integrative review, quantitative and qualitative data, the Self-Care Intervention for Oncology Nurses comprised three components, namely psycho-education on risks (booklet), practices of remembrance (remembrance tree) and support structures (support group and follow-up family call). Overall, the participants enjoyed reading the booklet and engaging in the support group. There were varied responses to the remembrance tree and hesitancy to partaking in the follow-up phone call.

Conclusion: The developed intervention could encourage awareness of compassion fatigue amongst oncology nurses’ engagement in self-care practices such as symbolic remembrance of patients and recognition of the value of support structures.

Contribution: The intervention may assist oncology nurses in the provision of compassionate caring for their patients and potentially minimise compassion fatigue.