Compassion Fatigue, Loneliness, and Hopelessness in Healthcare Workers: What Remains of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Area of Science:

• Medical Psychology
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental well-being of frontline healthcare workers (HCWs).
• Persistent psychological consequences are still evident in the general population and specific worker groups.
• Rehabilitation center HCWs faced unique challenges during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs.
• To evaluate changes in compassion fatigue, loneliness, empathy, anxiety, and hopelessness among HCWs.
• To compare the psychological state of HCWs at different time points post-pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 71 HCWs from a rehabilitation center was studied.
• Psychological assessments were conducted in May-June 2024 (T2), compared to 2020 (T0) and 2023 (T1).
• Data analyzed included burnout, loneliness, compassion satisfaction, secondary trauma, empathy, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Main Results:

• Burnout and feelings of loneliness significantly increased in T2 (P-Bonferroni: 0.005).
• Compassion satisfaction remained stable, indicating sustained resilience among HCWs.
• Secondary Trauma scores decreased in T2, suggesting reduced psychological burden related to COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Despite increased burnout and loneliness, HCWs demonstrate resilience through stable compassion satisfaction.
• The long-term psychological impact of the pandemic on HCWs requires continued monitoring and support.
• Interventions may be needed to mitigate persistent feelings of loneliness and burnout in HCWs.