Amin Mahzoon, Khadijeh Yazdi, Shohreh Kolagari, Zahra Mehrbakhash, Fatemeh Shah Beiki,
Volume 31, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Nurses today experience high levels of fatigue that significantly impair their performance in delivering care, thereby affecting patient safety. This research aimed to determine the relationship between nurses’ compassion fatigue and alarm fatigue with patient safety in intensive care units (ICUs).
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023 among 248 nurses working in the ICUs of hospitals in Golestan. A stratified sampling method with proportional allocation was employed. Data collection involved a demographic information checklist and three questionnaires assessing patient safety, alarm fatigue, and compassion fatigue. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Both univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were applied.
Results: The mean scores were as follows: compassion fatigue (86.13±25.20), alarm fatigue (22.67±7.38), and patient safety (62.23±13.67). A significant correlation was found between alarm fatigue and compassion fatigue (P<0.001). However, no significant relationship was observed between compassion fatigue (r=0.101, P=0.112) or alarm fatigue (r=0.090, P=0.158) with patient safety. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between patient safety and work experience (P=0.031), income level (P=0.012), and employment type (P=0.039).
Conclusion: Despite moderate levels of compassion and alarm fatigue, patient safety remained within acceptable ranges, indicating that nurses continued to provide safe care even amidst occupational fatigue risks.
Reza Abdollahi, Yousef Mohammadpour,
Volume 31, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Clinical competence may influence the level of compassion fatigue experienced by nursing staff. This study aimed to determine the relationship between clinical competence and compassion fatigue among emergency department nurses.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among nurses working in the emergency departments of teaching hospitals in Urmia in 2024. A total of 120 nurses were randomly selected for participation. Data collection was performed using three questionnaires: a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, Leo’s Clinical Competence Questionnaire, and Figley's Professional Quality of Life Scale. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and Pearson correlation coefficient with SPSS version 23.
Results: The results showed a significant inverse relationship between clinical competence and compassion fatigue (r=-0.45; P<0.05). The mean score of clinical competence among participants was 201.13±0.54. The average scores for compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress were 27.73±8.54, 38.73±1.81, and 28.45±4.82, respectively.
Conclusion: The results suggest that higher levels of clinical competence are associated with lower levels of compassion fatigue among emergency nurses. To mitigate compassion fatigue, nursing administrators and policymakers should consider implementing targeted strategies, such as comprehensive training, ongoing in-service education, and staffing with experienced and specialized nurses, thereby fostering a supportive work environment that reduces compassion fatigue.
