Addressing compassion fatigue of a family caregiver of adolescents in a mental health setting: A practice change project

Abstract

Family members who care for adolescents with a mental health disorder (AMHD) have yet to be recognized as an at-risk population for developing Compassion Fatigue (CF). The project introduced the concept of CF and the development of a program for family caregivers of AMHD at New Haven, a residential treatment center (RTC) for adolescent girls with mental health disorders. Staff therapists, nurses, educators, and support staff attended an educational program on CF, validated screening tools, interventions, and educational materials for family caregivers. A pre/post-Continuing Professional Development Reaction Questionnaire (CPDRQ) was used to measure their intention to change practice. Family caregivers attended a one-hour group session led by a staff therapist and completed a Family Quality of Life (FQoL) survey a modified Professional Quality of Life Survey and received interventions of knowledge, coping strategies, peer support programs, self-help, guided self-help. Predictive validity was estimated by comparing the pre-post scores of the CPDRQ. Overall, there was an increase in scores for all constructs with the most significant for the construct of intention and beliefs about capabilities. The results of the FQoL survey found a moderate level of burnout and secondary traumatic stress, which are indicators of CF. Follow up survey, 60.5 % who received the information on CF reported considering implementation or implemented an intervention. 50% reported sharing information with someone they trusted, 37 % reported making sleep a priority, eating a healthy diet, and learn to relax and meditate. The CPDRQ indicates the staffs' intention to change their practice suggested by the change in intention and beliefs about capabilities response. The results of the FQoL survey suggest that family caregivers are at risk for CF. The families who participated and received information on CF gained a new understanding and considered or had implemented one or more of the interventions.