You Matter: Finding your self-compassion education for health professionals (Nurses and midwives): A sequential explanatory mixed methods study protocol (Preprint)

BACKGROUND There have been a few recent studies that have reported how having the ability to give self-compassion can reduce a health professional's levels of anxiety, stress, risk of compassion fatigue, burnout, and generally improve their wellbeing. Therefore, there is evidence to support further research into the investigation and exploration of self-compassion education and training for health professionals. OBJECTIVE This study aims to increase knowledge and understanding of self-compassion and how this may enhance the health and wellbeing of health professionals. METHODS The proposed research study will adopt a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. This study will be undertaken in three phases. Phase 1 will utilize a pre-educational self-compassion questionnaire (online survey) to collect data from participants at three-time points (pre, immediately after, and post-follow-up at 6-8 weeks) after attending the self-compassion education. Phase 2 will utilize an interview schedule to explore the participants' views and experiences through a follow-up focus group or individual interview. Finally, phase 3 will include data integration and dissemination of the key findings and recommendations. This study has ethical approval from the Women's and Children's Health Network, Human Research Ethics Committee, and Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of South Australia - 26 June 2021 (Application ID: 204074). RESULTS A scoping review has been previously undertaken to inform this research study (focussing on nurses and midwives). The preparatory phase was completed in April 2021. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by June 2022, and phase 2 will commence in July 2022. CONCLUSIONS The key findings from the data integration of this research project will provide in-depth details and insights to broaden the discussion about self-compassion and its influence upon health professionals' health and wellbeing. Health professionals (nurses and midwives) may benefit from self-compassion education and training programs to improve their health and wellbeing. CLINICALTRIAL