No abstract

ObjectiveTwo studies examined the efficacy of the Self‐Compassion for Healthcare Communities (SCHC) program for enhancing wellbeing and reducing burnout among healthcare professionals.MethodStudy 1 (N = 58) had a quasi‐experimental design and compared wellbeing outcomes for the SCHC group compared to a waitlist control group. Study 2 (N = 23) did not include a control group and examined the effect of SCHC on burnout.ResultsStudy 1 found that SCHC significantly increased self‐compassion and wellbeing. All gains were maintained for three months. Study 2 found that in addition to enhancing wellbeing, SCHC significantly reduced secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Changes in self‐compassion explained gains in other outcomes, and initial levels of self‐compassion moderated outcomes so that those initially low in self‐compassion benefitted more.ConclusionsFindings suggest that the SCHC program may be an effective way to increase self‐compassion, enhance wellbeing, and reduce burnout for healthcare professionals.

Adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with chronic illnesses cope with complex issues that require unique psychological support and healthcare services to reduce psychosocial difficulties, improve disease management, and facilitate positive transitions to adult care. Engaging patients and caregivers can help providers understand the specific needs of this population and identify the perceived areas of support. The purpose of this quality improvement initiative is to assess the needs of AYAs with chronic medical conditions at a large government research hospital. Eighty-nine AYA patients (age = 23.5 years; range 13–34) with neurofibromatosis type 1, cancer, primary immunodeficiencies, or sickle cell disease, and a sample of caregivers (n = 37, age = 52 years; range: 41–65), completed an anonymized survey that assessed their preferences for a wide range of informational and service-related needs. The results indicate an overwhelming desire for information about general health and wellbeing and disease-specific medical knowledge. The most endorsed item was the need for more information about an individual’s medical condition (72%), which was a primary concern across disease, racial, and gender groups. Demographic and disease-specific needs were also identified. Thus, providing information to AYA patients and caregivers is a critical and largely unmet component of care, which requires the development and implementation of targeted educational and psychosocial interventions.

No abstract

No abstract