The role of mindful self-care in enhancing professional quality of life among hospice medical staff in Poland.

PURPOSE: Given the emotionally demanding nature of hospice care, identifying protective factors is essential for promoting caregiver well-being. This study examines compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among Polish hospice medical workers, focusing on mindful self-care practices and perceived work support. It also explores whether professional quality of life differs between those who engage in after-work rituals and those who do not.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 97 hospice medical workers (nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and medical caregivers) completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS), and an author-developed survey assessing perceived work support and after-work rituals. Participants were recruited from four hospice centres in northern Poland between July 1 and October 31, 2024.

RESULTS

Participants reported high levels of MSCS (M = 106.55, SD = 19.60), elevated compassion satisfaction (M = 39.86, SD = 5.94), and normative levels of burnout (M = 21.46, SD = 5.02) and secondary traumatic stress (M = 24.96, SD = 6.20). Mindful self-care was positively associated with compassion satisfaction (r = 0.32, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with burnout (r = -0.49, p < 0.001) and secondary traumatic stress (r = -0.22, p < 0.05). Higher perceived work support correlated with more favorable ProQOL outcomes, as did engaging in after-work rituals.

CONCLUSIONS

Mindful self-care methods, alongside work support, should be considered potential protective factors against compassion fatigue among hospice staff. It highlights the opportunity for employers to foster supportive work environments and encourage self-care practices tailored to staff needs.