Impact of a secondary prevention program on compassion fatigue among healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 units: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND: Compassion fatigue is a common condition among healthcare professionals continuously exposed to patient suffering, especially in high-pressure care settings such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence highlights its negative impact on mental health of staff and quality of care, as well as the need to implement effective preventive programs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pilot program of secondary prevention of compassion fatigue in healthcare professionals working in COVID-19 units at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital Complex (CHUNSC). METHODS: A quasi-experimental, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out, with pretest-posttest measures in a single group. By initial screening with the IDE-ESAPE and ProQOL-IV tools, 30 professionals with high scores of compassion fatigue or burnout were selected. The psychoeducational program, consisting of five group sessions, included mindfulness, emotional regulation and self-care. The results were evaluated at six months. RESULTS: Significant reductions in compassion fatigue (p < 0.01; r = 0.48) and burnout (p < 0.01; r = 0.53) were observed, as well as an increase in compassion satisfaction (p < 0.01; r = 0.46). A total of 100% of the participants completed the intervention. Improvements were maintained at six-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The program was associated with significant reductions in compassion fatigue and burnout, together with an increase in compassion satisfaction. This suggests its feasibility and potential usefulness for integration into institutional strategies aimed at supporting professional well-being.