Impact of a secondary prevention program on compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 units: a quasiexperimental study

Abstract

Compassion fatigue is a common condition among healthcare professionals continuously exposed to patient suffering, especially in high-pressure care settings such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence highlights its negative impact on mental health of staff and quality of care, as well as the need to implement effective preventive programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pilot program of secondary prevention of compassion fatigue in healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 units at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital Complex (CHUNSC). The program was associated with significant reductions in compassion fatigue and burnout, together with an increase in compassion satisfaction. This suggests its feasibility and potential usefulness for integration into institutional strategies aimed at supporting professional well-being.