Examining self-care, self-compassion and compassion for others: a cross-sectional survey of palliative care nurses and doctors

• DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.1.4
• Publication Date: 2018-01-25T13:27:09Z
• Authors: Jason Mills; Timothy Wand; Jennifer A Fraser
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Adolescent; compassion literacy; Self care; compassion; Nurses; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; self care; Compassion; Physicians; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; survey; Palliative Medicine; Self-compassion; palliative care; Self-Management; Australia; Middle Aged; self-compassion; 3. Good health; Compassion literacy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing; Palliative care; Linear Models; Female; Empathy

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.