To determine the effects of burnout and compassion fatigue on registered nurses' ability to deliver patient care

Background This review aimed to determine the effects of burnout and compassion fatigue on nurses' ability to deliver patient care and to aid in highlighting the steps required to overcome this and obtain a healthier nursing workforce. Methods A narrative review methodology was used. A systematic search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Medline and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) sourced 12,212 acticles. Findings A total of 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. Two recurrent themes emerged from the literature. These were factors delivery of patient care and quality and safety of patient care. Conclusion Burnout and compassion fatigue negatively impacts the delivery, quality and safety of patient care. There is a gap in the literature examining the effect long-term burnout and compassion fatigue has on the delivery of patient care which needs to be addressed.