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Factors associated with secondary traumatic stress and burnout in neonatal care staff: A cross‐sectional survey study
Author(s) -
Scott Zoe,
O'Curry Sara,
Mastroyannopoulou Kiki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/imhj.21907
Subject(s) - burnout , compassion fatigue , medicine , psychological intervention , cross sectional study , nursing , population , clinical psychology , protective factor , environmental health , pathology
High rates of secondary traumatic stress and burnout have been found across nursing populations. However, few studies have focused on neonatal staff. Objective The objectives of this article are to explore the prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout in neonatal staff, and identify risk factors and protective factors for STS and burnout within this population with the aim of informing future staff support. Methods A quantitative, cross‐sectional study using a survey design was conducted; 246 neonatal staff reported measures of STS, burnout, self‐compassion and satisfaction with ward climate. Results Neonatal staff reported high rates of moderate–severe STS and burnout. STS and burnout were negatively associated with self‐compassion and satisfaction with ward climate, suggesting them to be protective factors against STS and burnout. STS was found to be a risk factor for burnout and vice versa. Conclusion Interventions that increase understanding of STS and burnout, nurture self‐compassion, provide support and enhance stress management could help mitigate the impact of STS and burnout amongst neonatal staff.