Compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in pediatric subspecialists during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

The aim of this study was to explore factors contributing to compassion fatigue (CF), burnout (BO), and compassion satisfaction (CS) during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic in pediatric subspecialists. The Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test (CFST) and a questionnaire of personal/professional characteristics were distributed electronically to pediatric subspecialists. There were no significant differences in pre- and early-pandemic CF, BO, and CS scores. Nearly 40% of respondents felt their contributions to the pandemic were not valued by their institutions. Higher CF scores were significantly associated with: higher BO score; “I have put myself at increased risk through my work”; working in one’s specialty >50% of time; distress about mental health and/or future uncertainty. Higher BO scores were significantly associated with: higher CF score; “Self-care is not a priority”; emotional depletion. Higher CS scores were significantly associated with: “My institution values my contribution to the COVID-19 crisis”; workplace debriefs; pet therapy. The pandemic has only increased the need for physicians to receive social/emotional support from their institution and to feel their workplace contributions are valued. Successful pre-pandemic workplace interventions may not adequately support physicians during the pandemic. Further study is needed to identify supports that best counter the pandemic’s unprecedented challenges.