Background: Background:Compassion fatigue is a form of occupational stress which occurs when individuals are exposed to suffering and trauma on an ongoing basis. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of compassion fatigue among medical students (M3 and M4) at MCW during clinical clerkship.
Methods: Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 403 medical students(M3 and M4) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The survey questionnaire aimed to assess student’s perception and experiences about compassion fatigue during clinical rotation and its impact. We also assessed perceived factors contributing to CF and possible intervention to combat it.Responses were obtained on a 5-point Likert scale and the data was analyzed as respective frequencies and percentages.
Results: Results: One hundred and ten (27%) of the 403 medical students completed the survey. 78% of M3 and 69% of M4 reported compassion fatigue (p=0.27).72% of females and 77%males reported feeling CF(p=0.50). Majority of the students reported high patient load(83%) and lack of support from colleagues and medical school(including attendings and seniors)(83%) along with clinical and social situations of the patients as the contributing factor. Talking to other students, spending time with family/friends and activity to clear mind were some of the reported coping strategies. 42% students reported dreading to go to work as a result of feeling CF. Majority of students felt that having small group discussions and sharing personal stories in large groups(reflective writings) as possible interventions to combat compassion fatigue among students during clerkship.
Conclusions: Conclusion:From this survey based study it is clear that students experience compassion fatigue and this has a psychological effect on their wellbeing and ability to learn in the clinical practice setting. Medical school and educators need to find ways to provide support in both clinical and university settings. There is a need for innovation in curriculum to support exploration of student’s feelings, build resilience and effective ways of coping.