Previous studies have established a correlation between empathy and burnout among healthcare providers. The aim of this study is to explore whether empathy – the ability to understand what another person is experiencing, was related to mental healthcare staffs’ burnout. We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study among medical and nursing mental healthcare staff working in the district of Moselle, France. Participants completed a survey including The French versions of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSPE) and The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). The sample included 241 (n=241) participants (N=420, response rate=51.7%). 187 (77.6%) respondents had low burnout, 43 (17.8%) had intermediate burnout and 11 (4.6%) had high burnout. 41 (17%) had low empathy, 156 (64.7) had moderate empathy and 44 (18.3%) scored high. Empathy scores were positively correlated with scores of personal accomplishment of the MBI-HSS (r=0.2; p<0.001), but negatively correlated with scores of depersonalization (r=-0.2; p<0.003). Highest means of depersonalization (DP) (M=8.7; SD=6.8; p<0.009) and lowest means of compassionate care (M=40.05; SD=7.9; p=0.0001) were found among forensic psychiatric security units staff. Participation in the Omega educational program was associated with lower scores of EE on the MBI-HSS survey (mean score 14.7 versus a mean score of 19.7 for nonparticipants). Empathic mental healthcare providers have lower levels of burnout. Forensic psychiatric staff showed low means of compassionate care and high depersonalization. Interventions designed to foster attributes and skills such as empathy, resilience, and perception of security may be an essential step in reducing and preventing burnout.

Background Patient adherence to follow‐up after a first episode of psychosis (FEP) is currently a major challenge. Patient's early adherence reduces the risk of relapse and improves their prognosis in the short and long term. The primary goal of our study was to determine the incidence of treatment disengagement at 1‐year follow‐up in patients with first‐episode schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder. The secondary goal was to assess the factors associated with treatment disengagement in this patient population. Methods We conducted a monocentric retrospective study of 136 patients in France. Relevant information was collected on sociodemographic, pre‐morbidities and co‐morbidities data, as well as the management and treatment characteristics at 1.3 and 12 months. Survival analysis was used to assess the association between clinical variables, management and treatment disengagement. Results Eighty‐four patients (62%) have interrupted their medical follow‐up at 1 year, 16% at 1 month and 34% at 3 months. A higher number of out‐patient appointments after a FEP was associated with better adherence (HR:0.85 p < .0001 95% IC = [0.0–0.9]). Initial management seems to play an important role. Involuntary admissions (HR:7.14 p = .015 95% IC = [1.48–34.52]) and total number of admissions (HR:6.86 p < .0001 95% IC = [2.47–19.05]) predict disengagement at 1 month while an increased number of out‐patient appointments at 3 months predicts adherence (HR:0.60 p < .0001 95% IC = [0.00–0.74]). Being a single parent is associated with disengagement at 3 months (HR:15.51 p = .022 95% IC = [1.49–161.65]). Conclusions Incidence of disengagement is high. It might be necessary to change our management in order to develop out‐patient or day‐admission care and intensify care for patients at risk.