Balint Group As A Means To Intervent On Compassion Fatigue Among Oncology Nurses

Objectives:In this study,we introduce"Balint group" as a means to intervent on compassion fatigue among oncology nurses,and exploring its impaction on empathy,compassion satisfaction,burnout,secondary traumatic stress,and general health.Methods:This study is a quasi-experiment design.We enrolled 21 oncology nurses in one general hospital,who received a total of 8 times "Balint Group" activities,with 2 times a month and 1.5 hours each time.All the Participants were requested to complete the survey of the Professional Quality of Life(ProQOL),the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professionals(JSE-HP),and the General Health Questionnaire(GHQ)at pre and post intervention.We use SPASS 21.0 statistical software to analyse date.Paired T test was used to compaire mean values,and Fishers’ exact probility test used for compairing rate.Within one week after intervention,the participants were received group interview on experiences in " Balint Group" and how "Balint Group"to impact on their professional lives.Result:3 oncology nurses dropped out in our study,of which 2 nurses were pregnant,and 1 nurse was transferred to other branch of the hospital.After intervention,the score of JSE-HP and its three dimensions of perspective taking,emotional care,and trans-positional consideration had significantly higher than before(P<0.01).The score of Compassion satisfaction was significantly higher as well(P=0.047).There was no statistically difference in the rate of compassion fatigue incidence after intervention.The level of burnout,secondary traumatic stress,and general health status were also no statistically difference.The themes was concluded from materials of group interview,such as "Balint Group" could increase the awareness and reflection of oncology nurses,improve the ability of emotional labor,and promote the helping behaviors."Balint Group" could partially alleviate occupational stress.Conclusions:Our study proved that the "Balint Group" can improve oncology nurses’ ability of empathy and reflection,then increasing the level of compassion satisfaction."Balint Group" can help oncology nurses release emotional burden,get support,change the recognition and coping style to stress,partially alleviating occupational stress.The effectiveness of "Balint Group" on burnout and secondary traumatic stress is not obvious.