Full Length Research Paper
Susan G. Klappa, Lois E. Fulto
Abstract
Physiotherapists work in a variety of settings around the world and exhibit great satisfaction in their work. Challenges of everyday practice may be a contributing factor to compassion fatigue (CF) and lower professional quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate CF among physiotherapists (PTs) around the world and discuss coping strategies utilized. Mixed methods included a survey and phenomenological interviews. Participants (n= 116) completed the Professional Quality of Life (PROQOL) survey and nine participants engaged in phenomenological interviews. The PROQOL was used to assess the level of compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary trauma (STS) experienced by PTs around the world. CF was considered a combination of STS and BO. Group mean CS, BO, and STS scores were low compared to normal populations of caregivers. CS and BO were negatively correlated (r = - 0.535, p < .001). BO and STS were positively correlated (r = 0.530, p < .001). Three main themes emerged from interviews and included work environment stress, protective coping strategies, and the effects of compassion satisfaction. Better understanding CS, as well as CF in healthcare environments may help therapists develop better coping strategies for mitigating CF.