Examining Compassion Satisfaction and Work-Related Stress Within a Hospice for the Homeless (H4H) Organization: Results From a Multi-Method Survey

PurposeCommunities in Canada have created targeted hospice palliative care strategies such as facility-based hospices for the homeless (H4H) to promote equitable access to care. To ensure the sustainability of H4H programs, there is a need to prevent and mitigate burnout and enhance workplace wellbeing. The objectives for this study were to, (1) develop a better understanding of H4H staff and volunteers' experiences of stress and wellbeing; and (2) explore opportunities for additional resources to support workplace wellbeing.MethodsWe developed and administered an anonymous 26-item survey to 104 providers including both staff (eg, nurses, administrators) and volunteers at a facility-based H4H in Ontario. The survey gathered open and closed-ended data on sociodemographic information, compassion satisfaction, and H4H stories of workplace experiences.FindingsThe response rate was 56% (<i>n</i> = 58). Most respondents had high compassion satisfaction. However, multiple factors causing stress at work across the socio-ecological model were discussed. Requests for additional resources to foster workplace wellbeing included educational, process-related, spiritual/psychological, and social supports. Respondents storied that positive workplace wellbeing includes being able to provide quality care, and having supportive relationships, personal fulfillment, and a respectful culture within the workplace.ConclusionProvider participants were satisfied with their ability to be effective carers, yet chronic multi-level work-related stressors can erode a sense of meaning in H4H work. A multi-faceted evidence-based approach to supporting workplace wellbeing is needed in H4H settings. Research has shown that mindfulness could be an effective strategy, as it can decrease burnout and promote coping, team connection, and anti-oppressive care.