[Compassion fatigue and empathetic suffering]

Soins Gerontol. 2020 Mar-Apr;25(142):29-32. doi: 10.1016/j.sger.2020.01.008. Epub 2020 Jan 21.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Compassion fatigue and empathetic suffering are terms generally applied to health care providers caring for elderly people. An exhaustion accompanied by acute emotional pain results of tension and preoccupation with the suffering of those being helped. Learning to recognize it and to manage its symptoms is the first step toward healing. Compassion is an important care index and a professionalism marker.

Keywords: burn out; compassion; empathie; ethics; geriatrics; gériatrie; nursing; soins; éthique.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Compassion Fatigue*
  • Empathy*
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans