An examination of compassion fatigue risk in certified child life specialists

2016 
ABSTRACTCertified child life specialists (CCLSs) provide psychosocial interventions for children and families to manage potentially traumatic experiences in health care settings. Research on related professions indicates engaging in therapeutic relationships in high stress environments may place workers at risk for compassion fatigue. Results of an online survey using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5), completed by 154 CCLSs, showed that compassion fatigue risk in CCLSs was comparable to other helping professions. This risk was lower with peer support to debrief after patient fatality, and higher when working in intensive care and hematology/oncology units. Findings suggest need for compassion fatigue prevention, early identification, and support resources for CCLSs.
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